Dynamical Equilibrium between Brønsted and Lewis Sites in Zeolites: Framework-Associated Octahedral Aluminum

While the structures of Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in zeolites are well understood, those of Lewis acid sites (LAS) remain an active area of investigation. Under hydrated conditions, the reversible formation of framework-associated octahedral aluminum has been observed in zeolites in the acidic form. However, the structure and formation mechanisms are currently unknown. In this work, combined experimental ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy and computational data reveal for the first time the details of the zeolite framework-associated octahedral aluminium. The octahedral LAS site becomes kinetically allowed and thermodynamically stable under wet conditions in the presence of multiple nearby BAS sites. The critical condition for the existence of such octahedral LAS appears to be the availability of three protons: at lower proton concentration, either by increasing the Si/Al or by ion-exchange to non-acidic form, the tetrahedral BAS becomes thermodynamically more stable. This work resolves the question about the nature and reversibility of framework-associated octahedral aluminium in zeolites.     

Synthesis,Structure and Properties of an Extra-Large-Pore Aluminosilicate Zeolite NUD-6

Pure silica zeolites possessing uniform micropores, large surface area and high thermal and chemical stability have been widely studied and used in the fields of fine chemicals and oil industry. The incorporation of aluminium into the framework of silica zeolites changes their properties, making them more industrially useful as adsorbents and catalysts. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of an extra-large-pore aluminosilicate zeolite NUD-6 with a 16-membered-ring pore channel. Aluminium was directly incorporated into the zeolite NUD-6 framework, as confirmed by ²⁷Al MAS NMR studies and ammonia temperature-programmed desorption probes. Al-NUD-6 was not stable when heated at 550 °C to remove the organic templates. However, the organic templates in Al-NUD-6 could be removed by oxidation in nitric acid at room temperature. The obtained Al-NUD-6H retained the crystalline structure and possessed both micropores and mesopores despite the occurrence of severe structural distortions due to the presence of the corner-sharing Q³ Si₂O₇ units. The incorporation of aluminium resulted in both medium and strong acid sites in Al-NUD-6H, and could facilitate its use in adsorption and catalysis.     

A theoretical study of hydrothermal stability of P-modified ZSM-5 zeolites

Density functional theory was employed to study the hydrothermal stability of P-modified ZSM-5 zeolites using cluster models. The calculations of hydrolysis energies indicated that the introduction of phos-phorus increases the hydrothermal stability of ZSM-5 zeolites. The initial paths of dealumination were studied with explicit water molecules. It was found that the framework Al—O coordination bond can be replaced by coodination bonds between water molecules and the aluminium. One to three water molecules ...     

Substitution clustering in a non-stoichiometric celsian synthesized by the thermal transformation of barium exchanged zeolite X

The thermal transformation of Ba exchanged zeolite X to celsian has been studied by ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectroscopy. Evidence for the degradation of the zeolite framework is present in the ²⁹Si NMR spectra after thermal treatment at 850 °C. Confirmation is provided by the ²⁹Si NMR data that synthesis of celsian via the decomposition of Ba exchanged zeolite leads to a single defect phase. Clustering of the isomorphous replacement of aluminium by silicon must occur to explain the observed ²⁹Si chemical shifts. The ²⁷Al NMR data show distorted aluminium co-ordination sites upon the thermal transformation of Ba exchanged zeolite X. The distortions present in the amorphous matrix are greater than those present in the monoclinic and hexagonal crystalline phases of celsian.     

Understanding the synthesis and reactivity of ADORable zeolites using NMR spectroscopy

Zeolites remain one of the most important classes of industrial catalysts used today, and with the urgent drive for the transition from petrochemical to renewable feedstocks, there is a renewed interest in developing new types of zeolite. Recent synthetic advances in the field have included the development of the assembly-disassembly-organisation-reassembly (ADOR) method. In this short review, we will discuss how solid-state NMR experiments can be used to probe the mechanism of the process by characterising the structure of the intermediates and products, show how ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy can be used to probe the reactivity of ADORable zeolites and explain how this, in turn, can lead to fundamental questions of how zeolites behave in the presence of liquid water.     

Variation of Aluminium Distribution in Small-Sized ZSM-5 Crystals during Desilication

Hollow ZSM-5 zeolites of size below one micrometer can be produced by desilication of crystals with aluminium zoning. The parent crystals have a core–shell structure: the core part has nearly no aluminium, whereas the aluminium content in the shell increases when extending to exterior surface. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of the crystalline shell after base leaching, but could not identify its subtle change. An increase of the Si/Al ratio of the surface was detected upon leaching the parent material to form the hollow zeolite by using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy of substituted alkylpyridines. ²⁷Al MAS NMR showed that base leaching results in a reduced percentage of distorted tetrahedrally coordinated aluminium. The reprecipitation of dissolved species occurs and tetrahedrally coordinated tin atoms can thus be introduced to the shell framework. Overall, the formation of hollow ZSM-5 zeolites by desilication involves not only the removal of silicon-rich core, but also a reduced percentage of exterior aluminium-related acid sites, which should be considered while using hollow zeolites in acid-catalyzed reactions.     

Magic-Angle-Spinning NMR (MAS-NMR) Spectroscopy and the Structure of Zeolites

After outlining the chemical features and properties which make zeolites such an important group of catalysts and sorbents, the article explains how high-resolution solid-state NMR with magic-angle spinning reveals numerous new insights into their structure. ²⁹Si-MAS-NMR readily and quantitatively identifies five distinct Si(OAl)_n(OSi)_4-n structural groups in zeolitic frameworks (n = 0, 1,….4), corresponding to the first tetrahedral coordination shell of a silicon atom. Many catalytic and other chemical properties of zeolites are governed by the short-range Si, Al order, the nature of which is greatly clarified by ²⁹Si-MAS-NMR. It is shown that, as expected from Pauling's electroneutrality principle and Loewenstein's rule, both in zeolite X and in zeolite A (with Si/Al = 1.00) there are no ? Al? O? Al? linkages. In zeolite A and zeolite X with Si/Al = 1.00 there is strict alternation of Si and Al on the tetrahedral sites. Ordering models for Si/Al ratios up to 5.00 (in zeolite Y) may also be evaluated by a combination of MAS-NMR experiments and computational procedures. ²⁹Si-MAS-NMR spectra reveal the presence of numerous crystallographically distinct Si(OSi)₄ sites in silicalite/ZSM-5, suggesting that the correct space group for these related porosilicates is not Pnma. ²⁷Al-MAS-NMR clearly distinguishes tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated aluminum, proving that, contrary to earlier claims, Al in silicalite is tetrahedrally substituted within the framework. In combination, ²⁹Si- and ²⁷Al-MAS-NMR is a powerful tool for monitoring the course of solid-state processes (such as ultrastabilization of synthetic faujasites) and of gas-solid reactions (dealumination of zeolites with silicon tetrachloride vapor at elevated temperatures). They also permit the quantitative determination of framework Si/Al ratios in the region 1.00 < Si/Al < 10 000. Since most elements in the periodic table may be accommodated within zeolite structures, either as part of the exchangeable cations or as building units of the anionic framework, there is immense scope for investigation by MAS-NMR and its variants (cross-polarization, multiple pulse and variable-angle spinning) of bulk, surface and chemical properties. Some of the directions in which future research in zeolite science may proceed are adumbrated.     

The influence of acidities of boron- and aluminium-containing MFI zeolites on co-reaction of methanol and ethene

A series of boron- and aluminium-containing MFI zeolites were synthesized and various characterization techniques, such as NMR ((27)Al, (29)Si and (11)B), were employed to study the acidities of zeolites. Moreover, in situ IR was applied to investigate the interaction of methanol and ethene with the acid sites, and those catalytic materials were used for co-reaction of methanol and ethene to produce propene. The production of propene was related to the Al content of the zeolites with Si/Al ratios of higher than 90. It is implied that the presence of boron during the synthesis directed the aluminium to occupy certain tetrahedral sites in the zeolite framework, thus preventing the formation of ethene oligomers, and resulting in increased propene selectivity.     

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.     

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.     

Structure of Framework Aluminum Lewis Sites and Perturbed Aluminum Atoms in Zeolites as Determined by 27Al{1H} REDOR (3Q) MAS NMR Spectroscopy and DFT/Molecular Mechanics

Zeolites are highly important heterogeneous catalysts. Besides Brønsted SiOHAl acid sites, also framework Al_FR Lewis acid sites are often found in their H‐forms. The formation of Al_FR Lewis sites in zeolites is a key issue regarding their selectivity in acid‐catalyzed reactions. The local structures of Al_FR Lewis sites in dehydrated zeolites and their precursors—“perturbed” Al_FR atoms in hydrated zeolites—were studied by high‐resolution MAS NMR and FTIR spectroscopy and DFT/MM calculations. Perturbed framework Al atoms correspond to (SiO)₃AlOH groups and are characterized by a broad ²⁷Al NMR resonance (δ_i=59–62 ppm, C_Q=5 MHz, and η=0.3–0.4) with a shoulder at 40 ppm in the ²⁷Al MAS NMR spectrum. Dehydroxylation of (SiO)₃AlOH occurs at mild temperatures and leads to the formation of Al_FR Lewis sites tricoordinated to the zeolite framework. Al atoms of these (SiO)₃Al Lewis sites exhibit an extremely broad ²⁷Al NMR resonance (δ_i≈67 ppm, C_Q≈20 MHz, and η≈0.1).     

Location of Framework Al Atoms in the Channels of ZSM‐5: Effect of the (Hydrothermal) Synthesis

²⁷Al 3Q MAS NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy with bare Co^II ions as probes of Al pairs in the zeolite framework were employed to analyze the location of framework Al atoms in the channel system of zeolite ZSM‐5. Furthermore, the effect of Na⁺ ions together with tetrapropylammonium cation (TPA⁺) in the ZSM‐5 synthesis gel on the location of Al in the channel system was investigated. Zeolites prepared using exclusively TPA⁺ as a structure‐directing agent (i.e., in the absence of Na⁺ ions) led to 55–90 % of Al atoms located at the channel intersection, regardless the presence or absence of Al pairs [Al?O?(Si?O)₂?Al sequences in one ring] in the zeolite framework. The presence of Na⁺ ions in the synthesis gel did not modify the Al location at the channel intersection (55–95 % of Al atoms) and led only to changes in i) the distribution of framework Al atoms between Al pairs (decrease) and single isolated Al atoms (increase), and ii) the siting of Al in distinguishable framework tetrahedral sites.     

Ω型分子筛脱铝的核磁共振研究

在不同投料比（ＳｉＯ２／Ａｌ２Ｏ３＝１３．８，１９及２１）条件下，合成了三种Ω型分子筛原粉．对投料比为１３．８的原粉样品进行了四种不同方式的脱铝处理，即水热、ＳｉＣｌ４、ＥＤＴＡ和（ＮＨ４）２ＳｉＦ６处理，而形成了系列脱铝Ω型分子筛样品．对原粉及其脱铝样品进行了２９Ｓｉ和２７ＡｌＭＡＳＮＭＲ测试，确定出样品骨架硅铝比和铝在两种晶体学不等价Ｔ位上的占据比率，以探索四种脱铝方法的效果．实验结果与分析表明：在所有样品中，铝原子的占据具有择优Ｂ位的倾向；且铝在ＴＡ与ＴＢ位上的占据比率与合成条件有关；四种处理方式对Ω型分子筛的脱铝效果不尽相同．     

Y沸石的酸性

用^29Si MAS NMR(MAS为Magie Angle Spinning), 统计计算,NH3-TPD 等方法对(NH4)2·SiF6去铝补硅得到的高硅Y型沸石的酸位分布情况进行了研究, 并与典型酸催化反应数据相关联, 证实了Y型沸石的酸位强度取决于A1原子的周围环境, 即与次邻位A1原子数目n-NNN(NNN为Next Nearst Neighbor)有关, 沸石的强酸性来自次邻位无A1原子的AIO^-4四面体。 NH3-TPD法测量的沸石酸量和酸强度数据与^29Si MAS NMR 实验结果和统计计算得到的不同n-NNN A1位的分布是一致的。 随着A1含量减少, Y型沸石表面的总酸量是单调下降的。但强酸量却是先增加后下降, 在A1/(A1+Si)为0.15左右出现极大值。不同硅铝比的Y型沸石对典型的强酸性和弱酸性催化反应的活性变化规律亦与酸性相吻合。     

CXN天然沸石的研究VII. 骨架高硅超稳化改性

以高硅超稳化辉沸石(STI)为基底沸石, 分别经盐酸脱铝或氟硅酸铵脱铝补硅处理后制备的改性H-STI沸石, 其非骨架铝含量明显减少, 而后者骨架硅铝比进一步提高. X射线荧光散射光谱(XRF), ²⁷Al高分辨率魔角旋转固体核磁共振(MAS NMR), 红外(FT-IR)光谱等表征证明改性后的沸石骨架硅铝原子比分别为6.8和11.4. 低温氮吸附表明, 经盐酸处理的高硅STI沸石孔道开放完美, 但经氟硅酸铵处理的样品孔道被部分堵塞. 分段程序升温焙烧表明前者骨架热稳定性略差, 1000 ℃焙烧后结构基本被破坏, 而后者热稳定性较好, 经相同温度段焙烧后仍保持较高的结晶度和热稳定性, 其结构基本实现超稳化.     

Acid properties of semicrystalline zeolitic mesoporous UL-ZSM-5 materials

UL-ZSM-5 materials have been prepared by templated solid-state crystallization of zeolites starting from the amorphous mesostructured aluminosilicate Al-Meso. Microcalorimetry and FTIR have been employed to characterize their surface acidity. In good agreement with ²⁷Al MAS NMR data, UL-ZSM-5 displayed an improved density and strength of Brönsted acid sites, as compared to Al-Meso, owing to the incorporation of aluminium in a tetrahedral environment similar to that of zeolite ZSM-5. Moreover, they showed an enhanced Brönsted/Lewis relative acid ratio. However, Al-Meso showed the highest concentration of strong Lewis acid sites due to its largest amount of aluminium in extraframework positions.     

The leading role of association in framework modification of highly siliceous zeolites with adsorbed methylamine.

Affinity index (AT value), adsorption heat, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 13C and 29Si magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopies were used to study the interaction of highly siliceous MFI-, FAU-, and FER-type zeolites with adsorbed methylamine (MA). Compared with the data for methanol, the much higher AT values and adsorption heats, and significant changes in XRD patterns, 29Si MAS NMR spectra, and FTIR spectra for the zeolites after adsorption of MA, revealed a strong hydrogen-bonding interaction between the perfect framework of the zeolites and the adsorbed MAs. This interaction results from the fact that the H atom of the amine group attacks the [Si-O] framework to form a Si-OHN bond, which leads to the appearance of Si-N bonds in the zeolites at 323 K. Therefore, the zeolite framework can be modified with MA under mild conditions. The highly siliceous MFI zeolite and the H-ZSM-5 zeolite with SiO2/Al2O3=31:1 were modified with MA and investigated by temperature-programmed desorption of CO2. The modified zeolites exhibited greatly enhanced basic properties in comparison with those of the raw materials. The influence of defects in the zeolite on the adsorption and the interaction with MA is discussed.     

Extra‐Framework Aluminum Species of Zeolite that Surrogate the Growth of Metal Organic Framework from Zeolite Matrix

Constructing a robust hybrid material with a porous inorganic and a porous organic framework is highly intriguing owing to its diverse functionality and porosity. However, the line of synthesis is not straightforward, since their nucleation and crystal growth processes are incompatible. Here, a simple method for the fabrication of hybrid zeolite/metal–organic framework of different framework structures is developed wherein the less‐useful extra‐framework aluminum species present in the zeolite surrogate the growth of metal organic framework (MOF) from the zeolite matrix in the presence of organic linkers of the corresponding MOF. An NMR study confirms that all the octahedral Al species are converted to Al‐MOF. TGA analysis shows that 32 % Al of H‐Beta is converted to Al‐MOF. Furthermore, NH₃ TPD analysis shows that most of the weak acid sites disappear but strong acid sites are preserved suggesting the utilization of weakly bound Al species of H‐Beta in the growth of Al‐MOF. The synthesis strategy is successfully demonstrated using H‐Beta, H‐ZSM‐5, and H‐Y zeolites for the growth of MIL‐53 and MIL‐96 MOFs from the zeolite matrix. This synthesis strategy enables application‐based engineering of the framework structures, functionality, and porosity of the materials.     

Transformation of Chlorofluorocarbons on Zeolites: Dealumination

Dealumination of zeolites is regarded as a useful postsynthesis method for the modification of Si/Al ratio. Among other compounds phosgene proved to be an excellent reactant for aluminium removal from zeolite frameworks. The interaction of zeolites with chlorofluorocarbons also leads to dealumination, resulting in the formation of a phosgene intermediate that has been proven by IR and NMR spectroscopy.     

29Si-NMR-Untersuchungen zur Verteilung der Silicium-und Aluminiumatome im Alumosilicatgitter von Zeolithen mit Faujasit-Struktur

²⁹SiNMR Investigation of Silicon-Aluminum Ordering in the Aluminosilicate Framework of Faujasite-Type Zeolites The high resolution magic angle spinning ²⁹Si NMR spectra of a series of NaX and NaY zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 1.18 to 67 exhibit up to five sharp signals which could be assigned to the central silicon atoms of Si(OSi)_4–n(OAl)_n building units (n = 0–4) of the aluminosilicate framework. From the signal intensities the quantitative distribution of the building units and the Si/Al ratio of the aluminosilicate lattice have been estimated. By comparison of the building units obtained from the ²⁹Si NMR spectra with those from theoretical model structures detailed information on silicon-aluminum ordering of the zeolite framework has been derived. Except for NaX of Si/Al = 1.4 a centrosymmetrical distribution of Si and Al atoms within a double-cubooctahedra unit has been found which agrees well with the Si/Al ordering scheme proposed by Dempsey.