Titanosilicate zeolite precursors for highly efficient oxidation reactions

Titanosilicate zeolites are catalysts of interest in the field of fine chemicals. However, the generation and accessibility of active sites in titanosilicate materials for catalyzing reactions with large molecules is still a challenge. Herein, we prepared titanosilicate zeolite precursors with open zeolitic structures, tunable pore sizes, and controllable Si/Ti ratios through a hydrothermal crystallization strategy by using quaternary ammonium templates. A series of quaternary ammonium ions are discovered as effective organic templates. The prepared amorphous titanosilicate zeolites with some zeolite framework structural order have extra-large micropores and abundant octahedrally coordinated isolated Ti species, which lead to a superior catalytic performance in the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and epoxidation of cyclohexene. It is anticipated that the amorphous prezeolitic titanosilicates will benefit the catalytic conversion of bulky molecules in a wide range of reaction processes.

Titanosilicate zeolite precursors, with open structures of zeolite units and high amounts of catalytically active Ti species, show superior catalytic performance in the oxidative reactions.     

二维层状分子筛前驱体的合成、改性及催化应用

二维层状分子筛前驱体具有三维分子筛的层结构单元,具备母体分子筛的特性,其开放二维片层骨架结构给合成新分子筛以及基于其改性得到新衍生结构分子筛提供新机遇,是近年来分子筛研究领域一个新热点。大量二维片层前驱体可直接合成或通过三维分子筛后处理获得,基于二维片层前驱体人们发展了溶胀、剥层、柱撑、原子扩孔、层重组等层操纵的策略,通过这些策略一些常规方法难以合成或不符合理论规则的分子筛被合成出来,这极大地丰富了二维层状分子筛前驱体的研究领域,扩展了其应用范围。本文概述了二维层状分子筛前驱体的结构特点,系统总结了近年来二维层状分子筛前驱体的合成方法,在此基础上着重阐述了其改性获得新结构分子筛的新策略,并介绍了在多相催化反应中的应用。     

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 ionothermal synthesis of cobalt aluminophosphate zeolite frameworks

Ionothermal synthesis, the use of an ionic liquid as both solvent and structure-directing agent, has been used to synthesize three different cobalt aluminophosphate zeolites. Two of the materials are isostructural with solids prepared previously and have the AEI and SOD framework types. SIZ-7 is a novel zeolite structures that is closely related to the family of 8-ring zeolites consisting of the MER, GIS, and PHI frameworks. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of SIZ-7 indicates that the distribution of cobalt among the four possible tetrahedral sites is unequal.     

Methodology for synthesizing crystalline metallosilicates with expanded pore windows through molecular alkoxysilylation of zeolitic lamellar precursors

Postalkoxysilylation with diethoxydimethylsilane has been carried out on the zeolitic lamellar precursors of various topologies such as MWW, FER, CDO and MCM-47 aiming to construct new crystalline structures with expanded pore apertures between the layers. The silylation process and the crystalline and pore structures of the resulting materials have been investigated with the techniques of XRD, IR, (13)C and (29)Si MAS NMR, ICP, SEM, HRTEM, elemental analyses, and N 2 adsorption. In contrast to forming known three-dimensional zeolite structures after direct calcination of the lamellar precursors, the silylation led to new crystalline structures with opener pores, as evidenced by the shift of layer-related diffractions to the lower-angle region in XRD patterns and the enlarged interlayer pores found by HRTEM images. After optimizing the treatment conditions, particularly the amount of silane agent, a maximum and homogeneous silylation was realized, which guaranteed the phase purity in interlayer expanded zeolites. The expanded structures were well preserved after calcination at 823 K or reflux in water for 1 to 2 weeks, indicating a high thermal stability and also a hydrothermal stability. The interlayer expanded zeolites prepared from the metallosilicate precursors of MWW topology exhibited higher catalytic activities in the redox and solid acid-catalyzed reactions of bulky molecules than that of their counterparts with conventional MWW topology.     

Framework-substituted lanthanide MCM-22 zeolite: synthesis and characterization

Incorporation of Ce and La into the framework of MCM-22 zeolite has been achieved by cohydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate and lanthanide salts in moderate/weak acidic media followed by a switch of synthesis gels to basic conditions for hydrothermal crystallization. The promotion effect of the framework Ce (La) when Ce(La)-MCM-22 serves as the catalyst support for hydroisomerization of n-heptane is demonstrated. Framework substitutions of lanthanides are evidenced by a set of mutually complementary characterizations, catalytic tests, and item-by-item comparisons with the impregnated and ion-exchanged counterparts. The novel synthesis strategy may give further outlines for the production of other types of heteroatomic zeolites.     

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.     

Synthesis of adamantane on zeolite catalysts

The synthesis of adamantane from tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene on zeolites with different framework structures was studied. The adamantane yield on HY zeolites is higher than on HM and HZSM-5 zeolites. Among various types of dealuminated HY zeolites the HEY and HUSY zeolites give higher adamantane yields than conventional HY zeolite. The changes in activity and selectivity of the main and side reactions are correlated with the acidity and the pore structure of the zeolites. To ion-exchange the HY and HUSY zeolites with Ni2+ and La3+ cations may further improve the activity and selectivity of the zeolite catalysts.     

四氢呋喃与全硅FER，MTN，MOR和MFI沸石骨架相互作用的计算机模拟

结合分子动力学（MD）方法和能量最小化（EM）方法模拟了四氢呋喃（THF） 分子作为模板剂与全硅FER，MTN，MOR和MFI沸石骨架的相互作用，判断其在这些沸 石中的最佳结合位置。在FER沸石中，THF优先占扰[8~26~26~45~8]笼。在MIN沸石 中，只能分布在[5~(126~4)]笼中。在MOR沸石中，位于十二元环孔道内时与骨架作 用较强，而在MFI沸石中，处于十元环弯曲孔道中作用较强。相对而言，该分子与 FER，MTN相互作用较强，与MOR，MFI的相互作用较强。根据模拟结果，计算THF分 子中氢、氧原子与骨架氧原子的质心距离，研究了该分子与骨架空腔和孔道的匹配 情况，讨论了THF诱导这些沸石形成的模板作用。     

Investigations of the adsorption of n-pentane in several representative zeolites

We have examined the adsorption of n-pentane in several representative zeolites such as silicalite (MFI), ferrierite (FER), zeolite L (LTL), and faujasite zeolites with FAU structure including siliceous Y (Si-Y) and Na-Y by using FT-Raman spectroscopy in combination with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with particular attention being paid to the conformational and dynamic behavior of the guest molecule. The results indicate that the framework topology mainly dictates the conformation of n-pentane in a zeolite. For the zeolites with channel systems such as silicalite, ferrierite, and zeolite L, the population of the all-trans conformer increases upon loading, given that the geometry of the isomer fits better in the channel. When n-pentane is adsorbed in zeolites with a large cavity, such as Si-Y and Na-Y, the distribution of the all-trans (TT) and trans-gauche (TG) conformers is similar to that of pure liquid, suggesting that the large supercage in the framework imposes minimal effect on the conformational equilibrium. The dynamics of the guest molecule is, however, influenced significantly by the existence of cations. Adsorption of n-pentane in a siliceous framework such as silicalite and Si-Y results in extensive molecular motion at room temperature, the degree of which decreases with decreasing temperature. In zeolites ferrierite, L, and Na-Y, the presence of cations in the framework markedly hinders the overall molecular motion. The cations clearly play a role in the observed static disorder of the guest molecule in zeolite L. Important information regarding the location of the n-pentane molecules within silicalite and ferrierite is also obtained.     

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.     

Metal-ceramic composite materials from zeolite precursor

A straightforward technique of synthesis of metal-ceramic composite materials using a zeolite precursor is proposed. The first stage of this technique consists of the transition metal (Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺) cation exchange of commercial zeolites. The subsequent stages provide the reduction of these zeolites by thermal treatment under reducing atmosphere and the sintering of the ceramic matrix embedding the metallic particles. The stages of reduction and sintering may be performed according to two different modalities depending on the desired final product. If metal-ceramic composites for structural applications are desired, the stages of reduction and sintering are performed separately. If metal-ceramic composites for electromagnetic applications are desired, the stages of reduction and sintering are combined into a single firing step.     

THF-FER沸石的系列研究—Ⅱ．模板剂分子THF的位置

用^13C HPDEC MAS NMR与热分析方法表征了在四氢呋喃（THF）-Na2O-SiO2- Al2O3-H2O体系中水热合成的高硅Na-THF-FER沸石、酸交换后的H-THF-FER沸石以及 吸附于Na-FER和H-FER沸石中的THF。结果证明，模板剂分子THF位于Na-THF-FER沸 石骨架的FER笼内，平衡骨架阳离子Na^+主要存在于十元环孔道；而吸附子FER沸石 中的THF仅处于十元环孔道中，合成样品中THF的化学位移与液态THF相比，向低场 移动，谱线明显变宽，表明THF分子与FER笼之间存在很强的相互作用。     

Computational characterization of zeolite porous networks: an automated approach

An automated method has been developed to fully characterize the three-dimensional structure of zeolite porous networks. The proposed optimization-based approach starts with the crystallographic coordinates of a structure and identifies all portals, channels, and cages in a unit cell, as well as their connectivity. We apply our algorithms to known zeolites, hypothetical zeolites, and zeolite-like structures and use the characterizations to calculate important quantities such as pore size distribution, accessible volume, surface area, and largest cavity and pore limiting diameters. We aggregate this data over many framework types to gain insights about zeolite selectivity. Finally, we develop a continuous-time Markov chain model to estimate the probability of occupancy of adsorption sites throughout the porous network. ZEOMICS, an online database of structure characterizations and web tool for the automated approach is freely available to the scientific community (http://helios.princeton.edu/zeomics/).     

Delamination of layered zeolite precursors under mild conditions: synthesis of UCB-1 via fluoride/chloride anion-promoted exfoliation

New material UCB-1 is synthesized via the delamination of zeolite precursor MCM-22 (P) at pH 9 using an aqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, and tetrabutylammonium chloride at 353 K. Characterization by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen physisorption at 77 K indicates the same degree of delamination in UCB-1 as previously reported for delaminated zeolite precursors, which require a pH of greater than 13.5 and sonication in order to achieve exfoliation. UCB-1 consists of a high degree of structural integrity via (29)Si MAS NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, and no detectable formation of amorphous silica phase via transmission electron microscopy. Porosimetry measurements demonstrate a lack of hysteresis in the N(2) adsorption/desorption isotherms and macroporosity in UCB-1. The new method is generalizable to a variety of Si:Al ratios and leads to delaminated zeolite precursor materials lacking amorphization.     

FER型沸石的合成、结构与吸附性质

在TMEDA(四甲基乙基二胺)-Na2O-SiO2-Al2O3-H2O体系(I),Na2O-K2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O-HCO3^--CO3^2^-体系(II)及Py(吡啶)-PrNH2(正丙胺)-HF-SiO2-H2O体系(III)中, 分别合成了纯相FER沸石及FER硅沸石。用粉末XRD, FT-IR, 29Si MAS NMR及TG/DTA等表征其结构性质, 并用超微量电子真空吸附天平测定这些沸石样品对正己烷, 甲醇和水的吸附等温线。结果表明: 各体系合成的样品虽然结晶度高, 呈现出FER沸石的典型结构特征, 但由于它们的组成和晶格微结构不同, 热稳定性与吸附性质有明显的差异。在(I)体系中合成的FER沸石层错缺陷少, 晶格完美, 正己烷与甲醇的吸附量可达到理论值, 结构破坏温度为1190℃。红外精细谱及29Si MAS NMR高分辨谱证明FER硅沸石具有十分完美的骨架结构。由于晶胞收缩, 它对正己烷与甲醇吸附量略低于理论值, 并呈现出高度的疏水性。它的结构破坏温度高于1300℃。在(II)体系中合成的FER型沸石结构缺陷多, 沸石孔中的钾离子不易被质子完全交换。它的正己烷与甲醇吸附量均较低, 而水的吸附量相对较高。吸附现象表明, 正己烷和甲醇都被吸附于FER沸石的十元环主孔道中, 分压较高时, 甲醇可通过八元环进入小笼, 而水的吸附性质则主要与各样品的Si-OH缺陷及骨架中的阳离子含量有关。     

Molecular simulations of host-guest interactions between zeolite framework STW and its organic structure-directing agents

Zeolites have been widely applied in many chemical processes owing to their featured microporous framework structures. Organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs) play an important role during of the formation of zeolite frameworks via non-bonding host-guest interactions. Understanding these interactions is crucial to the design of OSDAs and the synthesis of target zeolites. Here, we report a molecular simulation study in the host-guest interactions between zeolite framework STW and 21 alkylated imidazolium and pyrazolium cations that have been used as the OSDAs for the synthesis of STW-type zeolites. We find that OSDAs that have successfully directed the formation of STW exhibit stronger host-guest interactions than unsuccessful ones. Furthermore, we find all successful OSDAs possess relatively more negative atomic charges on nitrogen atoms and smaller dipole moments. According to this finding, we have designed seven new alkylated imidazolium and pyrazolium cations that may be suitable for zeolite STW, and verified their structure-directing capability by molecular simulation calculations.     

Modification of Zeolite Morphology via NH4F Etching for Catalytic Bioalcohol Conversion

Various commercial zeolites, including FER, MOR, ZSM-5, BEA, and FAU frameworks, were treated with NH₄F aqueous solutions to study the effects of fluoride etching on different zeolite frameworks. NH₄F-treated small-medium pore FER, MOR, and ZSM-5 samples showed much higher mesoporosities than the untreated ones without alteration of the structural compositions and acidic properties. On the other hand, the 12-membered ring zeolites BEA and FAU showed severe dissolution of the framework aluminosilicate structure after NH₄F etching due to the high accessibility of fluoride species into the framework structures. The effect of NH₄F concentration on the fluoride treatment of H-ZSM-5 zeolite was specifically studied. From the results, we observed that structural etching with 20 wt % NH₄F was optimal for fabricating open-pore H-ZSM-5 zeolite and resulted in a high mesoporosity with comparable relative crystallinity and acidity with respect to the untreated H-ZSM-5. The catalytic activities of the open-pore H-ZSM-5 were evaluated with acid-catalyzed methanol and bioethanol conversions. Remarkably, the hierarchical open-pore H-ZSM-5 zeolite fabricated via fluoride etching exhibited an enhanced catalytic performance in bioethanol conversion with >85 % conversion over 34 h TOS and a higher catalytic stability in methanol conversion than the parent H-ZSM-5 (~50 % of bioethanol conversion at 34 h TOS).     

全硅FER沸石上有机吸附物脱附行为的研究

运用热分析技术,研究吸附在体相和表面结构完美的单晶状疏水全硅FER沸石孔道中的有机化合物的脱附行为,测定亲和性指数AT值和负载量。所研究的吸附质为直链烷烃、直链烷基醇、直链烷基胺等,结果显示醇有较低的AT值,而直链烷烃有较高的AT值,胺类有最高的AT值。证明全硅FER沸石骨架对烷基、胺基呈现出强的"亲和性",而对羟基呈现出“憎性”。同时还发现吸附质的链长对脱附性质、AT值也有较大影响。     

Spectroscopic signatures of nitrogen-substituted zeolites

Nanoporous acid catalysts such as zeolites form the backbone of catalytic technologies for refining petroleum. With the promise of a biomass economy, new catalyst systems will have to be discovered, making shape-selective base catalysts especially important because of the high oxygen content in biomass-derived feedstocks. Strongly basic zeolites are attractive candidates, but such materials are notoriously difficult to make due to the strong inherent acidity of aluminosilicates. Several research groups have endeavored to produce strongly basic zeolites by treating zeolites with amines, but to date there is no compelling evidence that nitrogen is incorporated into zeolite frameworks. In this communication, we detail synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, and quantum mechanical calculations showing that nitrogen adds onto both surface and interior sites while preserving the framework structure of zeolites. This finding is crucial for the rational design of new biomass-refinement catalysts, allowing 50 years of zeolite science to be brought to bear on the catalytic synthesis of biofuels.