Phase Transformation Behavior of a Two‐Dimensional Zeolite

Understanding the molecular‐level mechanisms of phase transformation in solids is of fundamental interest for functional materials such as zeolites. Two‐dimensional (2D) zeolites, when used as shape‐selective catalysts, can offer improved access to the catalytically active sites and a shortened diffusion length in comparison with their 3D analogues. However, few materials are known to maintain both their intralayer microporosity and structure during calcination for organic structure‐directing agent (SDA) removal. Herein we report that PST‐9, a new 2D zeolite which has been synthesized via the multiple inorganic cation approach and fulfills the requirements for true layered zeolites, can be transformed into the small‐pore zeolite EU‐12 under its crystallization conditions through the single‐layer folding process, but not through the traditional dissolution/recrystallization route. We also show that zeolite crystal growth pathway can differ according to the type of organic SDAs employed.     

A Hierarchical MFI Zeolite with a Two‐Dimensional Square Mesostructure

A conceptual design and synthesis of ordered mesoporous zeolites is a challenging research subject in material science. Several seminal articles report that one‐dimensional (1D) mesostructured lamellar zeolites are possibly directed by sheet‐assembly of surfactants, which collapse after removal of intercalated surfactants. However, except for one example of two‐dimensional (2D) hexagonal mesoporous zeolite, no other zeolites with ordered 2D or three‐dimensional (3D) mesostructures have been reported. An ordered 2D mesoporous zeolite can be templated by a cylindrical assembly unit with specific interactions in the hydrophobic part. A template molecule with azobenzene in the hydrophobic tail and diquaternary ammonium in the hydrophilic head group directs hierarchical MFI zeolite with a 2D square mesostructure. The material has an elongated octahedral morphology, and quaternary, ordered, straight, square channels framed by MFI thin sheets expanded along the a–c planes and joined with 90° rotations. The structural matching between the cylindrical assembly unit and zeolite framework is crucial for mesostructure construction.     

Highly Crystallized Nanometer‐Sized Zeolite A with Large Cs Adsorption Capability for the Decontamination of Water

Nanometer‐sized zeolite A with a large cesium (Cs) uptake capability is prepared through a simple post‐milling recrystallization method. This method is suitable for producing nanometer‐sized zeolite in large scale, as additional organic compounds are not needed to control zeolite nucleation and crystal growth. Herein, we perform a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) study to evaluate the uptake ability of Cs ions by zeolite, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. In comparison to micrometer‐sized zeolite A, nanometer‐sized zeolite A can rapidly accommodate a larger amount of Cs ions into the zeolite crystal structure, owing to its high external surface area. Nanometer‐sized zeolite is a promising candidate for the removal of radioactive Cs ions from polluted water. Our QCM study on Cs adsorption uptake behavior provides the information of adsorption kinetics (e.g., adsorption amounts and rates). This technique is applicable to other zeolites, which will be highly valuable for further consideration of radioactive Cs removal in the future.     

Tailoring Zeolite ZSM‐5 Crystal Morphology/Porosity through Flexible Utilization of Silicalite‐1 Seeds as Templates: Unusual Crystallization Pathways in a Heterogeneous System

Diffusion limitation in micropores of zeolites leads to a demand for optimization of zeolite morphology and/or porosity. However, tailoring crystallization processes to realize targeted morphology/porosity is a major challenge in zeolite synthesis. On the basis of previous work on the salt‐aided, seed‐induced route, the template effect of seeds on the formation of micropores, mesopores and even macropores was further explored to selectively achieve desired hierarchical architectures. By carefully investigating the crystallization processes of two typical samples with distinct crystal morphologies, namely, 1) nanocrystallite‐oriented self‐assembled ZSM‐5 zeolite and 2) enriched intracrystal mesoporous ZSM‐5 zeolite, a detailed mechanism is proposed to clarify the role of silicalite‐1 seeds in the formation of diverse morphologies in a salt‐rich heterogeneous system, combined with the transformation of seed‐embedded aluminosilicate gel. On the basis of these conclusions, the morphologies/porosities of products were precisely tailored by deliberately adjusting the synthesis parameters (KF/Si, tetrapropylammonium bromide/Si and H₂O/Si ratios and type of organic template) to regulate the kinetics of seed dissolution and seed‐induced recrystallization. This work may not only provide a practical route to control zeolite crystallization for tailoring crystal morphology, but also expands the knowledge of crystal growth mechanisms in a heterogeneous system.     

ZSM‐5 Zeolite Nanosheets with Improved Catalytic Activity Synthesized Using a New Class of Structure‐Directing Agents

A new series of multiquaternary ammonium structure‐directing agents, based on 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, was prepared. ZSM‐5 zeolites with nanosheet morphology (10 nm crystal thickness) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using multiquaternary ammonium surfactants as the zeolite structure‐generating agents. Both wide‐angle and small‐angle diffraction patterns were obtained using only a suitable structure‐directing agent under a specific zeolite synthesis composition. A mechanism of zeolite formation is proposed based on the results obtained from various physicochemical characterizations. ZSM‐5 materials were investigated in catalytic reactions requiring medium to strong acidity, which are important for the synthesis of a wide range of industrially important fine and specialty chemicals. The catalytic activity of ZSM‐5 materials was compared with that of the conventional ZSM‐5 and amorphous mesoporous aluminosilicate Al‐MCM‐41. The synthesis strategy of the present investigation using the new series of structure‐directing agents could be extended for the synthesis of other related zeolites or other porous materials in the future. Zeolite with a structural feature as small as the size of a unit cell (5–10 nm) with hierarchically ordered porous structure would be very promising for catalysis.     

A Cationic Oligomer as an Organic Template for Direct Synthesis of Aluminosilicate ITH Zeolite

There are a large number of zeolites, such as ITH, that cannot be prepared in the aluminosilicate form. Now, the successful synthesis of aluminosilicate ITH zeolite using a simple cationic oligomer as an organic template is presented. Key to the success is that the cationic oligomer has a strong complexation ability with aluminum species combined with a structural directing ability for the ITH structure similar to that of the conventional organic template. The aluminosilicate ITH zeolite has very high crystallinity, nanosheet‐like crystal morphology, large surface area, fully four‐coordinated Al species, and abundant acidic sites. Methanol‐to‐propylene (MTP) tests reveal that the Al‐ITH zeolite shows much higher selectivity for propylene and longer lifetime than commercial ZSM‐5. FCC tests show that Al‐ITH zeolite is a good candidate as a shape‐selective FCC additive for enhancing propylene and butylene selectivity.     

酸预处理对于 Fe-ZSM-5和 Fe-beta分子筛催化消除 N2O的影响

作为六大温室气体之一, N2O的增温潜能是 CO2的310倍,甲烷的21倍,目前仍然以0.80 ppb/年的速度增长,但是减排成本很低,因此对 N2O的消除具有重要意义.在工业中金属修饰的微孔分子筛因其优良的催化活性,高水热稳定性,低成本等优点而成为研究重点.但是微孔分子筛狭窄的微孔孔道限制了金属前驱体的进入,导致活性金属含量低,进而限制了活性的提高.因此采用一定的改性手段减小分子筛颗粒尺寸,缩短微孔孔道长度或者扩大微孔孔道来增加活性铁物种的含量进而提高分子筛催化活性.
　　本文选用商用的 ZSM-5和 beta分子筛作为母板分子筛,按照3 g ：50 mL比例将分子筛母板与1.0 mol/L的 HNO3在室温下混合,分别搅拌0,2和24 h,然后采用液相离子交换法负载金属铁制备得到 Fe-ZSM-5和 Fe-beta.通过 X射线衍射、N2物理吸吸脱附、电感耦合等离子原子发射光谱仪、扫描电镜、透射电镜、NH3程序升温脱附及紫外漫反射(UV-vis)等手段对不同时间处理的分子筛的形貌、酸性和铁物种等物理化学性质进行表征.对两种催化剂催化消除 N2O的反应性能进行了测试.结果显示,温和的酸处理下分子筛脱除了部分 Al,其中, ZSM-5分子筛的表现为由外向内逐层刻蚀,颗粒尺寸减小,孔道长度缩短,但是由于 MFI型分子筛较高的稳定性,酸处理对分子筛孔道大小的改变并不明显,而对于 beta分子筛,首先是其中大量无定形物种的去除,然后对孔道进行修饰,使之略微扩大,但是对颗粒尺寸的影响不大.
　　 ICP结果显示,商用 ZSM-5和 beta分子筛经过温和的酸处理改性后, Si/Al比增大,负载 Fe的含量明显增加,各催化剂催化消除 N2O的活性也出现了不同程度的提高. Fe-ZSM-5和 Fe-beta分子筛上 N2O完全转化温度分别向低温段移动了10–15和30°C. UV-vis谱图显示,分子筛中存在着不同种类的铁物种,通过分峰计算发现,孤立的 Fe3+铁离子和低聚态的 Fex3+Oy均是催化活性铁物种,其含量的增加部分也解释了活性提高的原因.     

Gemini quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis: An effective way to tune the textural properties of zeolite and the acidity of Beta molecular sieves

Novel hierarchical Beta zeolites have been successfully synthesized via a one‐pot dual‐templates strategy utilizing gemini organic surfactant and tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH)through hydrothermal process. The influence of several parameters on the formation of hierarchical Beta zeolite, the change in acidity and a possible growth scheme were systematically investigated. The physicochemical properties of these catalysts were characterized by PXRD, BET, SEM, HRTEM SAED, TG and NH₃‐TPD techniques, and the performance as acid catalysts was verified using the transformation of EtOH as a model reaction. On one hand, WAXRD data indicated that decreasing the temperature of synthesis and increasing amounts of C_12‐6‐12 in the process of synthesis resulted in lower crystallinity of Beta zeolites due to the BEA nuclei formation and crystal growth constrained by C_12‐6‐12. On the other hand, SAXRD and HRTEM data evidenced that C_12‐6‐12 initially generated a pseudo‐ordered mesoporous phase which was then partially occupied by the zeolite. After a period of ~96 h for crystallization, the hierarchy zeolite possessing 765.7 m²·g^‐1 of Brunauer‐Emmett‐Tellerarea, and average mesopore size distribution of 3.51 nm can be synthesized, and its microporous structure has a good crystallinity and lower amounts of acid sites than that of the microporous Beta one. Furthermore, the as‐obtained hierarchical zeolite displayed lower deactivation rate mainly due to the less coke formation on the surface of catalyst. It is expected to develop more considerable potential application value for the hierarchical Beta zeolite structure in the near future.     

Metal‐Supported Aluminosilicate Ultrathin Films as a Versatile Tool for Studying the Surface Chemistry of Zeolites

The application of a variety of “surface‐science” techniques to elucidate surface structures and mechanisms of chemical reactions at zeolite surfaces has long been considered as almost impossible because of the poor electrical and thermal conductivity of those materials. Here, we show that the growth of a thin aluminosilicate film on a metal single crystal under controlled conditions results in adequate and well‐defined model systems for zeolite surfaces. In principle, silicate films that contain metals other than Al (e.g. Ti, Fe, etc) may be prepared in a similar way. We believe that this approach opens up a new playground for experimental and theoretical modeling of zeolites, aimed at a fundamental understanding of structure–reactivity relationships in such materials.     

纳米晶自组装多级孔丝光沸石合成及其优异的催化性能

由于具有独特的孔道结构、高的热稳定性及适宜的酸性,丝光沸石(MOR)被广泛应用于正构烷烃异构化、二甲苯异构化、烷基化、甲苯歧化与烷基芳烃之间的烷基转移以及二甲醚羰基化反应中.但是其单一的微孔孔道结构在催化反应中带来严重的扩散限制,导致微孔内部活性位点利用率低和容易积碳失活等问题,同时也限制了MOR在大分子催化反应中的应用.在分子筛中引入介孔或减小晶粒尺寸是克服扩散限制的有效方法,也成为目前分子筛领域的研究热点.早期的研究中主要通过水蒸气处理、酸处理或碱处理等方法来制备多级孔MOR.但是,对于富铝的MOR,通常需要通过多步处理才能引入介孔.一步法直接制备多级孔MOR是目前的研究热点和难点.虽然文献报道可以采用自制的具有随机分子量分布的阳离子聚合物为模板剂和双亲有机硅表面活性剂OS-12制备多级孔MOR,但是合成的多级孔MOR为具有较窄a-b截面的纳米纤维或纳米棒状MOR,其12元环主孔道中的扩散限制没有得到有效改善.研究者采用N,N,N',N'-四乙基-外,外-二环[2.2.2]辛-7-烯-2,3：5,6-联四氢吡咯二碘铵盐和N,N,N,N',N',N'-六乙基-1,5-戊二胺阳离子为结构导向剂或者多季铵盐表面活性剂C18H37N+(Me)2C6H12N+(Me)2CH2C6H4CH2N+(Me)(C4H7CH2OH)为封端剂合成了具有三维纳米尺寸的MOR.然而这些纳米MOR的合成使用了结构复杂、价格昂贵的模板剂或表面活性剂.因此,开发简便、经济的MOR纳米晶合成路线仍是一个巨大挑战.本文通过在凝胶中添加少量四乙基氢氧化铵(TEAOH)和商业化表面活性剂,在低温下采用一步水热法成功制备了20–50 nm颗粒自组装的多级孔MOR (MOR-M),这是多级孔MOR合成中无c轴优势生长的首例报道.采用X射线衍射、X射线荧光光谱、扫描电镜、透射电镜、N2物理吸附、核磁共振、热重及NH3程序升温脱附等多种表征手段对合成样品的物理化学性质进行了研究.考察了合成参数对产物形貌和孔结构的影响,发现TEAOH的加入和较低的晶化温度是合成MOR-M的关键因素,而表面活性剂的作用则是进一步抑制晶粒的过度生长.仅添加双季铵盐表面活性剂C12-2-12时得到的为c轴优势生长的纳米片状多级孔MOR.与常规MOR相比, MOR-M具有较短的扩散路径、较大的外比表面积和丰富的介孔结构,在大分子苯和苯甲醇苄基化反应中表现出较常规MOR和具有更长c轴长度的纳米片状MOR更高的活性和目标产物选择性.在二甲醚羰基化制备乙酸甲酯的反应中, MOR-M亦表现出较高的活性及抗失活性能,积碳速率显著下降.     

核壳结构的Beta-Y复合分子筛的合成与表征

采用两种不同的水热晶化法合成Beta-Y复合分子筛,并采用XRD、SEM-EDS、FT-IR、N₂ 吸附-脱附技术对其进行表征。结果表明,以Beta分子筛为唯一硅源合成的sample A具有Y和Beta分子筛两种晶型结构,为机械混合形式;而以Beta分子筛母液为前躯体合成的sample B为核壳结构的复合分子筛,具有Y和Beta分子筛两种晶型结构,其核相为Beta分子筛,壳层为Y型分子筛,其晶体中具有介孔结构,并且介孔孔径比较集中。     

A solid-state NMR method for solution of zeolite crystal structures

Since zeolites are notoriously difficult to prepare as large single crystals, structure determination usually relies on powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). However, structure solution (i.e., deriving an initial structural model) directly from powder XRD data is often very difficult due to the diffraction phase problem and the high degree of overlap between the individual reflections, particularly for materials with the structural complexity of most zeolites. Here, we report a method for structure determination of zeolite crystal structures that combines powder XRD and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in which the crucial step of structure solution is achieved using solid-state (29)Si double-quantum dipolar recoupling NMR, which probes the distance-dependent dipolar interactions between naturally abundant (29)Si nuclei in the zeolite framework. For two purely siliceous zeolite blind test samples, we demonstrate that the NMR data can be combined with the unit cell parameters and space group to solve structural models that refine successfully against the powder XRD data.     

两亲性TS-1沸石的制备及其相界面催化反应性能的研究

采用三甲基氯硅烷和正十八烷基三氯硅烷对TS-1沸石样品进行表面修饰，制备出了两亲性含钛沸石样品．这类两亲性含钛沸石能分布于水、油两相界面处．改性后样品的骨架未遭破坏，其中钛仍然保持了四配位骨架钛的状态，但其晶貌发生了某些改变．这类两亲性样品在不加共溶剂及静置的反应条件下，对1-辛烯和双氧水的相界面环氧化催化反应表现出优良的催化活性．尤其是三甲基氯硅烷改性后的TS-1沸石，在相界面催化反应中，具有比改性前高得多的活性．我们还发现，在该相界面催化反应条件中，相界面的面积和催化剂用量是两个最重要的影响因素，当相界面面积(cm^2)与催化剂用量(mg)的比例控制在0．15左右时，两亲性TS-1沸石的催化活性达到最高值．     

Bridging the Gap between Structurally Distinct 2D Lamellar Zeolitic Precursors through a 3D Germanosilicate Intermediate

There is broad scientific interest in lamellar zeolitic materials for a large variety of technological applications. The traditional synthetic methods towards two‐dimensional (2D) zeolitic precursors have made a great impact in the construction of families of related zeolites; however, the connection between structurally distinct 2D zeolitic precursors is much less investigated in comparison, thereby resulting in a synthetic obstacle that theoretically limits the types of zeolites that can be constructed from each layer. Herein, we report a Ge‐recycling strategy for the topotactic conversion between different 2D zeolitic precursors through a three‐dimensional (3D) germanosilicate. Specifically, the intermediate germanosilicate can be constructed within 150 min by taking advantage of its structural similarity with the parent lamellar precursor. This process enables the conversion of one 2D zeolite structure into another distinct structure, thus overcoming the synthetic obstacle between two families of zeolitic materials.     

The porosity, acidity, and reactivity of dealuminated zeolite ZSM-5 at the single particle level: the influence of the zeolite architecture

A combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR‐SEM), focused‐ion‐beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM), and UV/Vis and synchrotron‐based IR microspectroscopy was used to investigate the dealumination processes of zeolite ZSM‐5 at the individual crystal level. It was shown that steaming has a significant impact on the porosity, acidity, and reactivity of the zeolite materials. The catalytic performance, tested by the styrene oligomerization and methanol‐to‐olefin reactions, led to the conclusion that mild steaming conditions resulted in greatly enhanced acidity and reactivity of dealuminated zeolite ZSM‐5. Interestingly, only residual surface mesoporosity was generated in the mildly steamed ZSM‐5 zeolite, leading to rapid crystal coloration and coking upon catalytic testing and indicating an enhanced deactivation of the zeolites. In contrast, harsh steaming conditions generated 5–50 nm mesopores, extensively improving the accessibility of the zeolites. However, severe dealumination decreased the strength of the Brønsted acid sites, causing a depletion of the overall acidity, which resulted in a major drop in catalytic activity.     

Laser Control of Zeolite Nucleation

Precursor solutions for the synthesis of zeolites are irradiated by means of a Nd‐YAG laser. These solutions are subsequently submitted to a hydrothermal treatment and the results analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Laser irradiation promotes the formation of silica nanoparticles that nucleate into zeolite (silicalite‐1), following a hydrothermal treatment. The average crystal size (in the 0.6–3.6 μm range) of the zeolite exponentially decreases as a function of laser irradiation time. In addition, a longer irradiation time results in a narrower crystal size distribution.     

Influence of downsizing of zeolite crystals on the orthorhombic ↔ monoclinic phase transition in pure silica MFI-type

The impact of crystal size on the transition orthorhombic ↔ monoclinic phase in MFI-type purely silica zeolites is investigated between 293 and 473 K using ²⁹Si MAS NMR and powder X-ray diffraction. Three silicalite-1 zeolites are synthesized: a material constituted of micron-sized crystals, pseudospherical nanometer-sized crystals and hierarchical porous zeolites with a mesoporous network created by the use of a gemini-type diquaternary ammonium surfactant giving nanosheet zeolites. Our results show for the first time that the orthorhombic ↔ monoclinic phase transition already known for micron-sized particles also occurs in nanometer-sized zeolite crystals whereas our data suggest that the extreme downsizing of the zeolite crystal to one unit cell in thickness leads to an extinction of the phase transition.     

Influence of template on crystallization of ZSM-5 zeolites

Pentasil zeolites of ZSM-5 type are synthesised hydrothermally using triethyl-n-proplyammonium bromide (TEPA-Br) and triethyl-n-butylammonium bromide (TEBA-Br). The crystallization kinetics, followed by XRD, SEM and thermal analysis, clearly demonstrate the influence of size and molecular weight of the templating quaternary ammonium cation (QAC) species on the rates of nucleation and crystallization. The values of the apparent activation energies for nucleation and crystal growth indicate that both nucleation and crystal growth are faster when TEPA-Br rather than TEBA-Br is used as a template. The quantitative identification of intergrown phases characterizes both the phases to be ZSM-5 zeolite. Thermoanalytical curves for both these zeolites in as-synthesised forms exhibit two-step oxidative decomposition of the occluded organic species. This suggests that the quaternary ammonium cation may be located at two energetically different sites within the zeolite channels. The equilibrium sorption capacity, however, is found to increase in the order of size and molecular weight of the templating species in both the zeolites. The nature of acid site distribution, obtained from the temperature programmed desorption of ammonia is found to be independent of the templating species used during the synthesis.     

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Nanosheets as Seeds for the Growth of Ultrathin Molecular Sieving Membranes

A defect‐free zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)/graphene oxide (GO) membrane with a thickness of 100 nm was prepared using two‐dimensional (2D) ZIF‐8/GO hybrid nanosheets as seeds. Hybrid nanosheets with a suitable amount of ZIF‐8 nanocrystals were essential for producing a uniform seeding layer that facilitates fast crystal intergrowth during membrane formation. Moreover, the seeding layer acts as a barrier between two different synthesis solutions, and self‐limits crystal growth and effectively eliminates defects during the contra‐diffusion process. The resulting ultrathin membranes show excellent molecular sieving gas separation properties, such as with a high CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 7.0. This 2D nano‐hybrid seeding strategy can be readily extended to the fabrication of other defect‐free and ultrathin MOF or zeolite molecular sieving membranes for a wide range of separation applications.     

含铁微孔EU-1/ZSM-5复合分子筛的合成和表征

采用预置晶种法合成了含铁的微孔EU-1/ZSM-5复合分子筛,并采用X射线粉末衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、热重-微分热重(TG-DTG)、N₂吸附-脱附、紫外-可见吸收光谱(UV-vis DRS)、X射线吸收精细结构(XAFS)等手段进行了表征。结果表明,复合分子筛具有EU-1和ZSM-5的特征衍射峰,是两种晶相相互作用的分子分散晶相材料,微孔孔径较Fe-EU-1分子筛有所增大。随原始溶胶中铁的质量分数增加,复合分子筛具有的23.09°和23.94°处的特征衍射峰逐渐向低角度方向偏移;紫外-可见漫反射谱图中在220~245 nm出现了宽的吸收谱带;XAFS表征表明,1s→3d电子跃迁的弱吸收峰逐渐增强,同时在吸收边顶部出现的1s→4p吸收峰逐渐由宽变窄。合成工艺的最佳条件为,原始溶胶中铁的质量分数为0.075%~0.15%,晶种添加比例为15.0%~21.0%,晶种SiO₂/Al₂O₃物质的量比为50~60。