Contribution of Silica Gels to Superimposed 29Si MAS NMR Spectra of Y Zeolites Dealuminated by Steaming

The ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectra of in situ formed amorphous aluminosilicates and silica gels superimpose the spectra of steamed and chemically modified DAY‐T, DAY‐T_acid, DAY‐T_alkaline and DAY‐T_{alkaline+acid} zeolites. In comparison with XRD data, the Si/Al_NMR ratios of the zeolite framework are determined to high or to low.     

Formation of Mesopores in USY Zeolites: A Case Revisited

Steaming of NH₄Y zeolite at 723 K and 873 K is accompanied by the formation of extra‐framework amorphous aluminosilicate and silica gel in addition to earlier observed extra‐framework aluminum species. Their occurrence is directly associated with the formation of mesopores. Bulk (intracrystalline) mesopores occur inside the crystallite nuclei and surface (intercrystalline) mesopores are located nearby the crystallite surface. Corrosion of the zeolite framework results in a loss of crystallinity and, consequently, decreased catalytic activity of the USY catalysts synthesized. Analysis of the reasons of mesopore formation may help to reduce these disadvantages.     

Phase Transformation of Hydrothermally Stressed Adsorbents

Inorganic materials of zeolite type, silica gel or related materials are used as adsorbents in air conditioning machines. The cooling effect is obtained by evaporation of water thereby the adsorbent acts as pump system. After itôs saturation, the storage must be regenerated by heating. The hydrothermal stress may generate decomposition of their structure accompanied by a loss of sorption capacity. This work describes the hydrothermal stability of AlPO‐5, SAPO‐34, and silica gel in comparison with a newly developed dealuminated Y zeolite DAY. DAY (Si/Al = 3.1) and AlPO‐5 zeolites are hydrothermally stable over a wide temperature range even under harsh condition of maximum water loading of their pore system. DAY exhibits a higher water sorption capacity but becomes amorphous with increasing temperature, whereas AlPO‐5 transforms into a tridymite analogous crystalline phase with an intermediate state at 140 °C. But, both phase transformation processes are not relevant for the application of the compounds in low‐temperature driven heat pumps due to less hydrothermal stressing there. SAPO‐34 decomposes already under mild hydrothermal conditions. In analogy to AlPO‐5 it forms the tridymite analogous structure at high temperature. The silica gel looses the sorption capacity systematically because of the healing of its structure by condensation of free silanol groups, whereby Q² and Q³ groups change into Q⁴ groups.     

Reactivity of Extra‐framework Species of USY Zeolites in Alkaline Medium

Zeolites of type USY (ultra‐stable Y) were obtained by steaming of NH₄NaY modification. Samples were modified by subsequent alkaline treatment in KOH solution. USY and USY‐KOH were characterised by chemical element analysis, XRD, IR, ²⁹Al and ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectroscopic measurements. Correct silicon to aluminium ratios (Si/Al) were determined by XRD and IR (double ring vibration w_DR) data whereas values calculated according to data of ²⁹Si MAS NMR and IR spectroscopy (asymmetrical TOT valence vibration w_TOT) appeared to be too high., In the latter case, the signals of the zeolite framework were strongly superimposed by that of extra‐framework silica gel (EFSi) formed during steaming. It was found that alkaline leaching induces desilication of silicon‐rich area of the zeolite framework and partial dissolution of EFSi. Silicate ions of both react with likewise dissolved extra‐framework aluminium (EFAl) to form X‐ray amorphous aluminosilicate. Consequently, the superposition of the ²⁹Si MAS NMR signals of the zeolite framework by silica gel was reduced for Q⁴(0Al) but increased for Q⁴ (2Al) and Q⁴(3Al) structure units. A reinsertion of EFAl into the zeolite framework has not been observed.     

Effect of Sodium Concentration on the Synthesis of Faujasite by Two-step Synthesis Procedure

The relationship between the concentration of sodium cations and the properties of faujasite(FAU) zeolite was investigated using a two-step synthesis procedure including (1) formation of amorphous aluminosilicate precursors and separation of amorphous nanoparticles, and (2) transformation of these amorphous particles into zeolite crystals by treatment with alkali solutions(NaOH). Three representative samples including two nano-sized zeolites and one micron-sized zeolite were prepared using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide. The crystallization process of these zeolites was studied in detail by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(NMR), X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and N₂ adsorption. The results indicated that minor changes in the concertation of inorganic cations can significantly shorten the induction period and crystallization time and thus affect the morphology, size and chemical composition of the zeolite crystals.     

Preferential Siting of Aluminum Heteroatoms in the Zeolite Catalyst Al‐SSZ‐70

The adsorption and reaction properties of heterogeneous zeolite catalysts (e.g. for catalytic cracking of petroleum, partial oxidation of natural gas) depend strongly on the types and distributions of Al heteroatoms in the aluminosilicate frameworks. The origins of these properties have been challenging to discern, owing in part to the structural complexity of aluminosilicate zeolites. Herein, combined solid‐state NMR and synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction analyses show the Al atoms locate preferentially in certain framework sites in the zeolite catalyst Al‐SSZ‐70. Through‐covalent‐bond 2D ²⁷Al{²⁹Si} J‐correlation NMR spectra allow distinct framework Al sites to be identified and their relative occupancies quantified. The analyses show that 94 % of the Al atoms are located at the surfaces of the large‐pore interlayer channels of Al‐SSZ‐70, while only 6 % are in the sub‐nm intralayer channels. The selective siting of Al atoms accounts for the reaction properties of catalysts derived from SSZ‐70.     

Amphiphilic Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Zeotype Aluminosilicate like a Nanoporous Crystallized Langmuir–Blodgett Film

A new organic–inorganic hybrid zeotype compound with amphiphilic one‐dimensional nanopore and aluminosilicate composition was developed. The framework structure is composed of double aluminosilicate layers and 12‐ring nanopores; a hydrophilic layer pillared by Q² silicon atom species and a lipophilic layer pillared by phenylene groups are alternately stacked, and 12‐ring nanopores perpendicularly penetrate the layers. The framework topology looks similar to that of an AFI‐type zeolite but possesses a quasi‐multidimensional pore structure consisting of a 12‐ring channel and intersecting small pores equivalent to 8‐rings. The hybrid material with alternately laminated lipophilic and hydrophilic nanospaces can be assumed as a crystallized Langmuir–Blodgett film. It demonstrates microporous adsorption for both hydrophilic and lipophilic adsorptives, and its outer surface tightly adsorbs lysozyme whose molecular size is much larger than its micropore opening. Our results suggest the possibility of designing porous adsorbent with high amphipathicity.     

Mesopores in USY Zeolites II

Microporous zeolites Na‐Y and K‐Y were converted into the NaNH₄‐Y and KNH₄‐Y modifications by ion exchange being active in dealumination. Removal of framework aluminium and silicon is accompanied by formation of secondary mesopores. Internal mesopores are formed in the centre of zeolite crystals and external pores at their surface. Formation of mesopores changes the sorption behaviour.Residual alkali metal cations as Na⁺ or K⁺ stabilise, however, the framework ≡Si‐O‐Al≡ bonds. Because of inhomogeneous distribution of sodium ions, in NaNH₄‐Y less internal but more external mesopores are formed. Potassium ions of KNH₄‐Y are more homogeneous distributed over the framework why a more balanced formation of secondary pores takes place.     

Synthesis and characterization of geopolymer-zeolites from Ghanaian Kaolin samples by variation of two synthesis parameters

Two kaolinitic clays from two Regions of Ghana: Western and Volta Regions, were first calcined at 600 °C for 2 h to transform into the amorphous aluminosilicate phases. The effects of kaolin and alkali ratio as well as aging on the amount and types of zeolite in the resultant geopolymers were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transformed spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and specific surface area measurements. Alkali activation treatment of the metakaolin yielded bulk materials with different amounts and types of zeolite and different particle size distributions. The results showed that initial kaolin samples were dependent on the concentration of alkali treatment and crystallization time during the activation treatment and produced zeolite type A along with quartz which showed no reactivity regardless of the variation of the synthesis parameter.

     

Facile Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Behavior of a Large‐Pore Zeolite with the IWV Framework

Large‐pore microporous materials are of great interest to process bulky hydrocarbon and biomass‐derived molecules. ITQ‐27 (IWV) has a two‐dimensional pore system bounded by 12‐membered rings (MRs) that lead to internal cross‐sections containing 14 MRs. Investigations into the catalytic behavior of aluminosilicate (zeolite) materials with this framework structure have been limited until now due to barriers in synthesis. The facile synthesis of aluminosilicate IWV in both hydroxide and fluoride media is reported herein using simple, diquaternary organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) that are based on tetramethylimidazole. In hydroxide media, a zeolite product with Si/Al=14.8–23.2 is obtained, while in fluoride media an aluminosilicate product with Si/Al up to 82 is synthesized. The material produced in hydroxide media is tested for the hydroisomerization of n‐hexane, and results from this test reaction suggest that the effective pore size of zeolites with the IWV framework structure is similar to but slightly larger than that of ZSM‐12 (MTW), in fairly good agreement with crystallographic data.     

Hexane Cracking over Steamed Phosphated Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5: Promotional Effect on Catalyst Performance and Stability

The nature behind the promotional effect of phosphorus on the catalytic performance and hydrothermal stability of zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 has been studied using a combination of ²⁷Al and ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopy, soft X‐ray absorption tomography and n‐hexane catalytic cracking, complemented with NH₃ temperature‐programmed desorption and N₂ physisorption. Phosphated H‐ZSM‐5 retains more acid sites and catalytic cracking activity after steam treatment than its non‐phosphated counterpart, while the selectivity towards propylene is improved. It was established that the stabilization effect is twofold. First, the local framework silico‐aluminophosphate (SAPO) interfaces, which form after phosphatation, are not affected by steam and hold aluminum atoms fixed in the zeolite lattice, preserving the pore structure of zeolite H‐ZSM‐5. Second, the four‐coordinate framework aluminum can be forced into a reversible sixfold coordination by phosphate. These species remain stationary in the framework under hydrothermal conditions as well. Removal of physically coordinated phosphate after steam‐treatment leads to an increase in the number of strong acid sites and increased catalytic activity. We propose that the improved selectivity towards propylene during catalytic cracking can be attributed to local SAPO interfaces located at channel intersections, where they act as impediments in the formation of bulky carbenium ions and therefore suppress the bimolecular cracking mechanism.     

Aluminium‐27 NMR investigation of the influence of cation type on aluminosilicate solutions

The effects of tetraalkylammonium (TAA) and alkali metal cations on the equilibrium distribution of aluminosilicate oligomers in aqueous alkaline aluminosilicate solutions were investigated using ²⁷Al NMR spectra and their evolution with time. The results indicate that there are no differences in the initial equilibria involving solutions containing both TAA and alkali metal cations on the one hand and those containing alkali metal cations only. However, re‐equilibration of the aluminosilicate species for TAA/Na aluminosilicates is slow (usually not detectable on the time‐scale of the experiments), whereas when purely alkali metal cations are used, the spectra alter over a period of ～1 h, such that resolution is degraded substantially. In the latter case, it is suggested that the anions aggregate into larger systems, although the solutions are still clear. ²⁹Si NMR evidence for slow equilibration of silicate and aluminosilicate solutions at higher concentrations is also discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Critical Factors in the Seed‐Assisted Synthesis of Zeolite Beta and “Green Beta” from OSDA‐Free Na+–Aluminosilicate Gels

Organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA)‐free synthesis of zeolite beta is a subject of both scientific and industrial interest. Herein, we report a comprehensive investigation into the effects of various parameters on the seed‐assisted crystallization of zeolite beta in the absence of OSDA. The crystallization behavior of “OSDA‐free beta” is strongly governed by the chemical composition of the starting Na⁺‐aluminosilicate gel as well as by the Si/Al ratios of the calcined beta seed crystals, which are prepared using tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH). Furthermore, OSDA‐free beta seed crystals can be used to form zeolite beta, termed “green beta”. XRD, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and ²⁷Al magic angle spinning NMR analyses showed that the OSDA‐free beta and green beta were of high purity and crystallinity. The nitrogen adsorption–desorption of OSDA‐free beta and green beta revealed higher surface areas and larger volumes in the micropore region than those of the beta seeds synthesized with OSDA after calcination. These results provide a robust and reliable process for the environmentally friendly production of high‐quality zeolite beta in a completely OSDA‐free Na⁺‐aluminosilicate system.     

Direct Detection of Supramolecular Reaction Centers in the Methanol‐to‐Olefins Conversion over Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 by 13C–27Al Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy

Hydrocarbon‐pool chemistry is important in methanol to olefins (MTO) conversion on acidic zeolite catalysts. The hydrocarbon‐pool (HP) species, such as methylbenzenes and cyclic carbocations, confined in zeolite channels during the reaction are essential in determining the reaction pathway. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate the formation of supramolecular reaction centers composed of organic hydrocarbon species and the inorganic zeolite framework in H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite by advanced ¹³C–²⁷Al double‐resonance solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Methylbenzenes and cyclic carbocations located near Brønsted acid/base sites form the supramolecular reaction centers in the zeolite channel. The internuclear spatial interaction/proximity between the ¹³C nuclei (associated with HP species) and the ²⁷Al nuclei (associated with Brønsted acid/base sites) determines the reactivity of the HP species. The closer the HP species are to the zeolite framework Al, the higher their reactivity in the MTO reaction.     

An Extra‐Large‐Pore Zeolite with 24×8×8‐Ring Channels Using a Structure‐Directing Agent Derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Extra‐large‐pore zeolites have attracted much interest because of their important applications for processing larger molecules. Although great progress has been made in academic science and industry, it is challenging to synthesize these materials. A new extra‐large‐pore zeolite SYSU‐3 (Sun Yat‐sen University no. 3) has been synthesized by using a novel sophoridine derivative as an organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA). The framework structure was solved and refined using continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED) data from nanosized crystals. SYSU‐3 exhibits a new zeolite framework topology, which has the first 24×8×8‐ring extra‐large‐pore system and a framework density (FD) as low as 11.4 T/1000 ų. The unique skeleton of the OSDA plays an essential role in the formation of the distinctive zeolite structure. This work provides a new perspective for developing new zeolitic materials by using alkaloids as cost‐effective OSDAs.     

Electron Microscopy Reveals the Nucleation Mechanism of Zeolite Y from Precursor Colloids

The growth of nanoscale crystals of zeolite Y from colloidal aluminosilicate gel particles has been investigated with high-resolution electron microscopy. Each amorphous gel particle nucleates only a single zeolite crystal, with nucleation beginning at the gel-solution interface (see scheme). Further growth of these nanocrystals is possible through the solution-mediated transport of framework building blocks.     

Characterisation of Siliceous Extra‐Framework Species in DAY Zeolites by 29Si MAS NMR and IR Spectroscopic Measurements

Dealuminated Y zeolites (DAY) were obtained by steaming of NH₄NaY at temperatures between 450 °C and 700 °C. They were characterised by means of ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si MAS NMR, IR spectroscopic and XRD measurements. The Si/Al framework ratios of samples were calculated using the ²⁹Si MAS NMR signal intensities, the wave numbers of the double‐ring vibration band w_DR and the asymmetrical TOT valence vibration w_TOT of IR spectra as well as the XRD lattice constant a₀. In contrast to actual Si/Al ratio obtained from w_DR and a₀, the NMR spectroscopic and w_TOT values were determined to be too high because of the superposition of the signals coming from dealuminated zeolite framework and silica gel which forms in the zeolite as a result of steaming. The differently determined Si/Al ratios characterise the siliceous extra‐framework species.     

Host-guest chemistry of copper(II)-histidine complexes encaged in zeolite Y

Structural analysis has been carried out on copper(II )–histidine (Cu²⁺/His) complexes after immobilization in the pore system of the zeolites NaY and de‐aluminated NaY (DAY). The aim of this study was to determine the geometrical structure of Cu²⁺/His complexes after encaging, to obtain insight into both the effect of the zeolite matrix on the molecular structure and redox properties of the immobilized complexes. In addition to N₂ physisorption and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses, a combination of UV/Vis/NIR, ESR, X‐ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES), IR, and Raman spectroscopy was used to obtain complementary information on both the first coordination shell of the copper ion and the orientation of the coordinating His ligands. It was demonstrated that two complexes ( A and B ) are formed, of which the absolute and relative abundance depends on the Cu²⁺/His concentration in the ion‐exchange solution and on the Si/Al ratio of the zeolite material. In complex A , one His ligand coordinates in a tridentate facial‐like manner through N_am, N_im, and O_c, a fourth position being occupied by an oxygen atom from a zeolite Brønsted site. In complex B , two His ligands coordinate as bidentate ligands; one histamine‐like (N_am, N_im) and the other one glycine‐like (N_am, O_c). In particular the geometrical structure of complex A differs from the preferred structure of Cu²⁺/His complexes in aqueous solutions; this fact implies that the zeolite host material actively participates in the coordination and orientation of the guest molecules. The tendency for complex A to undergo reduction in inert atmosphere to Cu¹⁺ (as revealed by dynamic XANES studies) suggests activation of complex A by the interaction with the zeolite material. EXAFS analysis confirms the formation of a distorted four coordinate geometry of complex A , suggesting that the combination of zeolite and one His ligand force the Cu²⁺ complex into an activated, entactic state.     

Seed‐Assisted,One‐Pot Synthesis of Hollow Zeolite Beta without Using Organic Structure‐Directing Agents

Hollow aluminosilicate zeolite beta was successfully synthesized by adding CIT‐6, that is, zincosilicate zeolite, which has the same topology as beta, as seeds to the Na‐aluminosilicate gel without the need for organic structure‐directing agents. One important factor in the successful organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA)‐free synthesis of hollow beta crystals is the solubility of the seed crystals in alkaline media. CIT‐6 was less stable than aluminosilicate zeolite beta in alkaline media and the solubility changed depending on whether the crystals were calcined or not. The hollow beta could be obtained by using the uncalcined CIT‐6 seed crystals. The volumes of intra‐crystalline voids were tuned by changing the reaction time and the initial gel compositions, such as the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and Na₂O/SiO₂ ratios. We estimated that the intra‐crystalline voids were formed through the dissolution of the seed crystals, just after the crystal growth of new beta on the outer surface of the seeds. In addition, new crystal growth toward inside of the void was also observed by TEM. On the basis of the characterization data, such as chemical analysis, N₂‐adsorption/desorption measurements, and TEM observation, a formation mechanism of the intra‐crystalline voids is proposed and discussed.     

A new approach to the determination of atomic-architecture of amorphous zeolite precursors by high-energy X-ray diffraction technique

The structure of amorphous precursor species formed under hydrothermal conditions, prior to the onset of crystallization of microporous aluminosilicate zeolites, is determined employing high-energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD). The investigation, combined with the use of reverse Monte Carlo modelling suggests that even numbered rings, especially 4R (R: ring) and 6R, which are the dominant aluminosilicate rings in zeolite A, have already been produced in the precursor. The model implies that the formation of double 4Rs occurs at the final step of the crystallization of zeolite A.