Facile synthesis of 5A zeolite from attapulgite clay for adsorption of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-paraffins

5A zeolites were facilely synthesized from attapulgite clay and sodium aluminate precursors. The optimum synthesis condition for 4A zeolite (Na-form) were H₂O/attapulgite ratio of 40:1 volume/mass, NaOH/attapulgite mass ratio of 2.35:1, the crystallization time was 4 h at 80–85 °C. The 4A zeolite was converted to related 5A zeolite (Ca-form) through ionic exchanges using calcium chloride solution with the Si/Al mole ratio of 1.3. SEM images demonstrated that as-synthesized 5A zeolites are ordered cubic crystals, average crystals length dimension is 1–2 μm. And the zeolites product had a specific surface area of 482 m² g^?1 and total pore volume of 0.274 cm³ g^?1. The static adsorption experiments showed that the equilibrium adsorption capacities of n-decane and n-pentadecane on produced 5A zeolite were 0.253 and 0.510 g g^?1, respectively. And the adsorption equilibrium time of n-decane and n-pentadecane on 5A zeolite were 45 and 60 min, respectively. The experimental adsorption data of n-decane and n-pentadecane on three zeolites could be properly fitted by the Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm model.     

Synthesis of hexagonal zeolite Y from Kankara kaolin using a split technique

Synthesis of hexagonal zeolite Y from Kankara kaolin using a split technique is presented. The technique entails splitting kaolin to alumina and silica components. These components were further recombined to synthesize zeolite Y. The as-synthesized NaY zeolite was transformed to REY zeolite. Characterizations of the as-synthesized zeolite Y were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) texture analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Catalytic desulfurization of the as-synthesized REY zeolite was studied using microwave assisted desulfurization of model diesel. The Si/Al molar ratio of the as-synthesized NaY zeolite was 4.27. The crystallinity of the as-synthesized NaY and REY zeolites were 79.1 and 56.5% respectively. The as-synthesized NaY and REY zeolites possessed hexagonal morphology with average crystal sizes of 200 and 100 nm respectively. The specific surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of the as-synthesized NaY zeolite were 732 m² g^?1, 0.2611 cm³ g^?1 and 1.426 nm respectively. The specific surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of the as-synthesized REY zeolite were 456 m² g^?1, 0.1591 cm³ g^?1 and 1.395 nm respectively. Zeolite Y synthesized using the split technique possessed physiochemical properties comparable to the commercial zeolite Y, it was also free of quartz and competing phase impurities reported in previous works. The as-synthesized REY zeolite resulted to 79% sulfur reduction when used as a catalyst in a microwave desulfurization of model diesel at 100?°C for 15 min.     

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.     

Influence of the post-synthesis method on the number and size of secondary mesoporous structure of NaY zeolite and its effect on catalyst loading. An efficient and eco-friendly catalyst for synthesis of xanthenes under conventional heating

Several identification techniques have been used to study the effect of the preparation method of dealuminated Y zeolite on catalyst loading. In this paper, NaY zeolite was dealuminated by chemical operation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (H₄EDTA) treatment. In this method, extra-framework aluminum species removed from the supercage of zeolite and therefore increases the Si/Al ratio and pore volume. Consequently, the loading of the molybdophosphoric acid (MPA) in the supercage of zeolite is increases (0.1 g/g equal 0.049 mmol/g support) in EDTA treatment (MPA-MDAZY) in comparison with (0.0875 g/g equal 0.043 mmol/g support) in hydrothermal method (MPA-DAZY). These results were also confirmed by XRF, AAS, FTIR, SEM, BET, XRD and WDX analysis. Reducing of the reaction time and increasing of the catalytic activity of EDTA treatment toward hydrothermal method can be related to the high catalyst loading based on removing of extra-framework aluminum. The catalytic activity of two catalysts has been compared in the xanthenes synthesis reactions.     

Study of Brønsted acid site in H-MCM-22 zeolite by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia

Interaction of ammonia with H-MCM-22 zeolite (Si/Al = 24.5) was investigated by temperature-programmed desorption technique in order to obtain information on thermodynamics of the process. Average activation energy for desorption of ammonia from Brønsted acid sites of H-MCM-22 zeolite was estimated from the data obtained under conditions varying in heating rate and also flow rate of carrier gas. It resulted in value of E _d = 127 kJ mol^?1 for heat rate variation method, whereas flow rate variation led to E _d value of 111 kJ mol^?1. Obtained E _d values are compared with those reported in the literature for other zeolitic materials and discussed in the broader context of zeolite acidity. Comparison of E _d values estimated here for H-MCM-22 zeolite with corresponding data for other protonic zeolites shows that H-MCM-22 displays mediocre/lower activation energy for ammonia compared with other high-silica zeolites.     

Hexafluoroisopropanol-induced coacervation in aqueous mixed systems of cationic and anionic surfactants for the extraction of sulfonamides in water samples

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-induced coacervation in aqueous mixed systems of catanionic surfactants of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was described in detail, and its application in the extraction of strongly polar sulfonamides (SAs) was investigated. With 10 % (v/v) HFIP inclusion, coacervation formation and two-phase separation occur in a wide range of SDS/DTAB mole ratios (88:12～0:100 mol/mol) and total surfactant concentrations (10～200 mmol/L). The interactions between HFIP and DTAB play an important role in coacervation formation. The HFIP-induced SDS–DTAB coacervation extraction proves to be an efficient method for the extraction and preconcentration of SAs. Both hydrophobic interaction and polar interactions (hydrogen–bond, electrostatic, and π-cation) contribute to the distribution of SAs into coacervate phase. The proposed HFIP-induced SDS–DTAB coacervation extraction combined with HPLC–UV was employed for the extraction and quantitative determination of SAs in environmental water samples. Limits of detection were 1.4～2.5 ng mL^?1. Excellent linearity with correlation coefficients from 0.9990 to 0.9995 was obtained in the concentration of 0.01～10 μg mL^?1. Relative recoveries were in the range of 93.4～105.9 % for analysis of the lake, underground, and tap water samples spiked with SAs at 0.01, 1.0, and 10 μg/mL, respectively. Relative standard deviations were 0.7～3.2 % for intraday precision and 1.3～4.6 % for interday precision (n?=?3). Concentration factors were 17～49 for three water samples spiked with 0.01 μg/mL SAs. The results demonstrate that the proposed extraction method is feasible for the preconcentration and determination of trace SAs in real water samples. Graphical abstract

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IR study of the peculiarities of alkaline realumination of the highly dealuminated product of hydrothermal treatment of zeolite Y

The effect of alkaline modification on the structure of highly dealuminated zeolite Y, prepared by steaming (at 973 K) the ammoniation product of NH₄-Y zeolite (53% NH₄ ⁺, Si/Al=2.37) pretreated at 873 K in a humid atmosphere, was studied by means of IR spectra of the zeolite lattice vibrations. Treatment of the sample with 0.25 N KOH at 293 K causes the dissolution of the non-framework aluminum hydroxide species with formation of basic aluminate, and the cleavage of linear siloxane bridges at the dealuminated sites. At 353 K the cleavage involves the non-linear disiloxane bonds, while the interaction of potassium aluminate with the terminal Si-O(H,K) bonds thus formed brings about the regeneration of normal Al-O-Si bridges; however, parallel amorphization of the zeolite structure takes place due to pronounced depolymerization of the high-siliceous framework.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 797–799, April, 1993.The author is grateful to V.Lutz (ZIPhCh, Germany) who kindly submitted samples1,2, and4, and to N. N. Feoktistova (IChS of the RAS), for the samples of silicaalumogel.     

Use of drinking water sludge in the production process of zeolites

This study reports the synthesis of zeolites A, X, and P, cancrinite, and sodalite using sludge generated in a drinking water plant. Two experimental steps were carried out: (1) fusion and (2) hydrothermal treatment. Crystallization was achieved by means of a 2³ experimental design with central point with the following factors: temperature, time, and solid/liquid ratio. The sludge presented Si and Al contents (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 1.7) which allow the synthesis of zeolites with high cation exchange capacity. The content of organic matter was considerable (loss on ignition 26.1 %), but is eliminated in the fusion step at 550 °C. This process also permits the conversion of the initial aluminosilicates into zeolite precursors (sludge–NaOH mix of 1:0.785 g/g). Hydrothermal treatment then permits the crystallization of the aforementioned zeolites. These materials showed high cation exchange capacities as compared to other commercial and experimentally synthesized zeolites, and can be used in the removal of heavy metals such Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, and ammonium present in water, providing an interesting new option in wastewater treatment and remediation of soils.     

Preparation and characterization of molecularly imprinted microspheres for selective extraction of trace melamine from milk samples

We describe molecularly imprinted microspheres (MIMs) for the selective extraction of melamine from milk. The MIMs were made from melamine as the template molecule, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the linking agent. The MIMs were synthesized by suspension polymerization and characterized by rebinding experiments. They displayed high adsorption capacity, fast rebinding kinetics, and highly specific rebinding of melamine. The imprinting factor is 4.1. Scatchard analysis revealed a one-type rebinding behavior, the dissociation constant and maximum rebinding capacity being 37.59 g L^?1 and 30.85 μmol g^?1, respectively. The MIMs exhibited a 25% cross-reactivity towards atrazine, but less than 3.0% towards prometryn, clenbuterol and metronidazole. In addition, a MIM-based solid phase extraction (MISPE) column for melamine was prepared by packing MIMs into a common SPE cartridge. The MISPE extraction gave recoveries of 89.8 to 100.6% of melamine, with relative standard deviations of 5.9 to 7.5%. There was no significant loss of rebinding capacity after more than 60 repeated uses, thus demonstrating the high stability of the MISPE column. The MSPE column also was applied to the extraction of melamine from spiked liquid and powdered milk with satisfying accuracy and precision.

Molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction monolithic capillary column for selective extraction and sensitive determination of safranine T in wolfberry

A method was developed to sensitively determine safranine T in wolfberry by molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography and laser-induced fluorescence detection (HPLC-LIF). The MISPE capillary monolithic column was prepared by water-bath in situ polymerization, using safranine T, methacrylic acid (MAA), and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) as template, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. The properties of the homemade MISPE capillary monolithic column, including capacity and specificity, were investigated under optimized conditions and the morphologies of inner polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean recoveries of safranine T in wolfberry ranged from 91.2 % to 92.9 % and the intraday and interday relative standard deviation (RSD) values all ranged from 3.4 % to 4.2 %. Good linearity was obtained over 0.001–1.0 μg mL^–1 (r?=?0.9999) with a detection limit (S/N?=?3) of 0.4 ng g^–1. Under the selected conditions, enrichment factors of over 90-fold were obtained and the extraction on the monolithic column effectively cleaned up the wolfberry matrix. The results demonstrated that the proposed MISPE-HPLC-LIF method could be applied to sensitively determine safranine T in wolfberry.

Influence of chemical dealumination on the properties of USY zeolite

Three series of dealuminated Y zeolites have been prepared by chemical extraction ofhydrothermally dealuminated Y zeolite(USY)with H_2Na_2EDTA,HCl and H_4EDTA.The unitcell constant,mesopore distribution,acidity and extraframework aluminum(EFAL)of thezeolites were studied with XRD,chemical analyses,adsorption,IR and NH_3-TPD techniques.It was shown that H_2Na_2EDTA only removed EFAL species deposited in the pores of USY,by contrast,HCl and H_4EDTA extract both extraframework and framework aluminum,andmake the zeolite framework further dealuminated.Adsorption tests gave evidence that a second-ary pore system exists in these dealuminated zeolites.H_2Na_2EDTA extraction increased bothmicropore and mesopore volumes,but after HCl and H_4EDTA treatments,new mesopores formedand the micropore volume was decreased.The pyridine-IR and NH_3-TPD measurements demon-strated that EFAL had no evident contribution to the zeolite acidity.     

Pressurised hot water extraction in continuous flow mode for thermolabile compounds: extraction of polyphenols in red onions

Extraction and analysis of labile compounds in complex sample matrices, such as plants, is often a big analytical challenge. In this work, the use of a “green and clean” pressurised hot water extraction (PHWE) approach performed in continuous flow mode is explored. Experimental data for extraction and degradation kinetics of selected compounds were utilised to develop a continuous flow extraction (CFE) method targeting thermolabile polyphenols in red onions, with detection by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–diode array detection (DAD)–mass spectrometry (MS). Water containing ethanol and formic acid was used as extraction solvent. Method performance was focused on extraction yield with minimal analyte degradation. By adjusting the flow rate of the extraction solvent, degradation effects were minimised, and complete extraction could be achieved within 60 min. The CFE extraction yields of the polyphenols investigated were 80–90 % of the theoretically calculated quantitative yields and were significantly higher than the yields obtained by conventional methanol extraction and static batch extraction (70–79 and 58–67 % of the theoretical yields, respectively). The precision of the developed method was lower than 8 % expressed as relative standard deviation.

Adsorption of Nitrogen, Oxygen and Argon on Na-CeX Zeolites

Commercial type X zeolites (Linde 13X) are nitrogen selective. Oxygen is the less abundant component in air; hence oxygen selective sorbents are desired for air separation. Mixed Na-Ce type X zeolites containing different ratios of Ce³⁺/Na⁺ ions are prepared by partial ion exchange of commercial X zeolite. The adsorption isotherms of nitrogen, oxygen and argon are measured and the pure-component selectivity ratios are compared and analyzed against commercial zeolites (13X) for air separation. Oxygen selectivity over nitrogen (1.5) and argon (4.0) are seen for mixed Na-Ce type X zeolite (Si/Al = 1.25; Ce³⁺/Na⁺ < 4.0) from Henry's constant determined from low pressure adsorption measurements. The oxygen and nitrogen isotherms cross over for mixed Na-Ce type X zeolite (Si/Al = 1.25; Ce³⁺/Na⁺ < 4.0), and the pressure at which cross they over increases as Ce³⁺/Na⁺ approaches 1. The oxygen selectivity as claimed in the patent by N.V. Choudary, R.V. Jasra, and S.G.T. Bhat (US Patent no. 6,087,289, 2000) is seen only at very low pressures in the volumetric adsorption measurement and the hydrogen treatment of the Ce-exchanged samples have no effect on the adsorption characteristics.     

Complexation of the cesium cation with lithium ionophore VIII: extraction and DFT study

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Cs⁺(aq) + 1·Na ⁺ (nb) = 1·Cs⁺(nb) + Na⁺(aq) taking place in the two-phase water-nitrobenzene system (1 = lithium ionophore VIII; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was evaluated as log K _ex (Cs⁺, 1·Na⁺) = ?0.5 ± 0.1. Further, the stability constant of the 1·Cs⁺ complex in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log β _nb (1·Cs⁺) = 4.8 ± 0.2. Finally, by using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the cationic complex species 1·Cs⁺ was derived. In the resulting complex, the “central” cation Cs⁺ is bound by six bond interactions to the corresponding six oxygen atoms of the parent ligand 1.     

Cu-loaded dealuminated Y zeolites active in selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with ammonia

The selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia in the presence of oxygen has been carried out on Cu-loaded dealuminated Y zeolite catalysts. Copper was introduced by the usual ion-exchange procedure with an aqueous solution of cupric acetate. On deeply dealuminated USY zeolites, Cu²⁺ was supported in the amount larger than 2Cu/Al = 2, resulting in the formation of CuO fine particles in addition to the isolated and dimer Cu²⁺ species. The specific catalytic activity per surface copper on the CuO particles was very high compared with these Cu²⁺ species. NO adsorption measurement revealed the higher dispersion of CuO on the deeply dealuminated USY than on SiO₂, which made Cu/USY a better catalyst for the reduction of NO. The reaction intermediates were investigated through the IR spectra of adsorbed species.     

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.     

Cu-loaded dealuminated Y zeolites active in selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with ammonia

The selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia in the presence of oxygen has been carried out on Cu-loaded dealuminated Y zeolite catalysts. Copper was introduced by the usual ion-exchange procedure with an aqueous solution of cupric acetate. On deeply dealuminated USY zeolites, Cu²⁺ was supported in the amount larger than 2Cu/Al=2, resulting in the formation of CuO fine particles in addition to the isolated and dimer Cu²⁺ species. The specific catalytic activity per surface copper on the CuO particles was very high compared with these Cu²⁺ species. NO adsorption measurement revealed the higher dispersion of CuO on the deeply dealuminated USY than on SiO₂, which made Cu/USY a better catalyst for the reduction of NO. The reaction intermediates were investigated through the IR spectra of adsorbed species.     

Determination of twelve herbicides in tobacco by a combination of solid–liquid–solid dispersive extraction using multi-walled carbon nanotubes, dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction, and detection by GC with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

We report on a method for the determination of twelve herbicides using solid–liquid–solid dispersive extraction (SLSDE), followed by dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) and quantitation by gas chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection. SLSDE was applied to the extraction of herbicides from tobacco samples using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as clean-up adsorbents. The effect of the quantity of MWCNTs on SLSDE, and of type and volume of extraction and disperser solvents and of salt effect on DLLME were optimized. Good linearity is obtained in the 5.0 - 500 μg kg^?1 concentration range, with regression coefficients of >0.99. Intra-day and inter-day repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviations, are between 3 and 9 %. The recoveries in case of herbicide-spiked tobacco at concentration levels of 20.0, 50.0 and 100.0 g kg^?1 ranged from 79 to 105 %, and LODs are between 1.5 and 6.1 μg kg^?1. All the tobacco samples were found to contain butralin and pendimethalin at levels ranging from 15.8 to 500.0 μg kg^?1.

Pressurized fluid extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using silanized extraction vessels

We have investigated the extraction efficiency of a pressurized fluid extraction system using an Ottawa sand matrix, soils and a certified reference material (HS-6) spiked with the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) associated with method EPA 8100. Acceptable recoveries were achieved for all PAHs using a nominal sand concentration of 2.0 μg.g^-1. However, similar experiments that were conducted at a concentration of 0.20 μg.g^-1 afforded poor recoveries and poor reproducibility for the six-ring PAHs indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, dibenz(a)anthracene, and benzo(ghi)perylene. These were not adequately addressed by the use of indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene-d12 and benzo(g,h,i)perylene-d12 surrogates. Silanization of vessels using dichlorodimethylsilane adequately passivates the system but is only required for the high surface area retention frits. Replicate analyses at concentrations of 200 and 20 ng.g^-1 demonstrated that detection limits in the low ppb range (ng.g^-1) are achieved for Ottawa sand, dry soil and soil with moisture contents up to a mass fraction of 30 %. Such performance is consistent with the analytical requirements of the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines. Improved analyte recoveries were also observed for the certified reference material HS-6 which were further improved by increasing extraction temperatures from 100 to 150 °C.

IR study of heterogeneity of OH groups in zeolite HY-splitting of OH and OD bands

We have been studying the problem of heterogeneity of OH groups in zeolites HY for a long time. The heterogeneity was suggested by the shift of the IR band of OH groups restoring upon ammonia desorption and also by the fact that the band of OH groups forming hydrogen bonds was relatively broad (broader than for homogeneous acidic OH). In the present study we present another important argument for heterogeneity: the splitting of the IR band of free OH and OD groups in a zeolite of Si/Al=8.3 dealuminated by (NH₄)₂SiF₆ treatment. Such a splitting is the best seen in low temperature spectra of OD groups. We found less acidic 3640 cm⁻¹ (AlO)(SiO)₂SiO₁HAl(OSi)₃ and more acidic 3625 cm⁻¹ (SiO)₃SiO₁HAl(OSi)₃ groups. The presence of these two kinds of hydroxyls corresponds to the presence of Si(2Al) and Si(1Al), respectively, detected in ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectra. We also found a small amount of strongly acidic 3599 cm⁻¹ hydroxyls interacting with extraframework Al species.