Probing the Brønsted Acidity of the External Surface of Faujasite-Type Zeolites

We outline two methodologies to selectively characterize the Brønsted acidity of the external surface of FAU-type zeolites by IR and NMR spectroscopy of adsorbed basic probe molecules. The challenge and goal are to develop reliable and quantitative IR and NMR methodologies to investigate the accessibility of acidic sites in the large pore FAU-type zeolite Y and its mesoporous derivatives often referred to as ultra-stable Y (USY). The accessibility of their Brønsted acid sites to probe molecules (n-alkylamines, n-alkylpyridines, n-alkylphosphine- and phenylphosphine-oxides) of different molecular sizes is quantitatively monitored either by IR or ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. It is now possible, for the first time to quantitatively discriminate between the Brønsted acidity located in the microporosity and on the external surface of large pore zeolites. For instance, the number of external acid sites on a Y (LZY-64) zeolite represents 2 % of its total acid sites while that of a USY (CBV760) represents 4 % while the latter has a much lower framework Si/Al ratio.     

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).     

Interactions of phosphorous molecules with the acid sites of H-Beta zeolite: Insights from solid-state NMR techniques and theoretical calculations

The local structures of various Brønsted and Lewis acid sites in H-Beta zeolite were resolved with the combined ³¹P MAS NMR, ³¹P–²⁷Al TRAPDOR NMR experiments and theoretical calculations at different levels. In addition, the interacting mechanisms of these acid sites with probe molecules such as trimethylphosphine (TMP) and trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO) were clarified, which greatly aids the understanding of acid catalysis. Owing to the narrow chemical shift range and close Brønsted acid strengths, only an average resonance at −4.5 ppm was observed in TMP adsorbed H-Beta zeolite, consistent with the calculated data of acidities (substitution energies and proton affinities), geometries, adsorption energies as well as ³¹P chemical shifts. However, two types of Brønsted acids were distinguished by TMPO, and the HF/DZVP2 (MP2/DZVP2) chemical shifts were calculated at 68.1 (69.5) and 69.7–72.1 (71.7–74.9) ppm, respectively. Two types of Lewis acids were identified at −32.0 and −47.0 ppm with the latter exhibiting strong ³¹P–²⁷Al TRAPDOR effects. With theoretical calculations, these two peaks were attributed to the extra-lattice oxo-AlOH²⁺ species and the three-fold coordinated lattice-Al, extra-framework Al(OH)₃, oxo-AlO⁺ species, respectively. The peak at −60.0 ppm was conventionally assigned to the TMP physisorption, but the calculations indicated that the EFAL monovalent Al(OH)₂⁺ species coordinating with two lattice-O atoms near the framework Al atom can contribute to it as well.     

Significant Influence of Zn on Activation of the C‐H Bonds of Small Alkanes by Brønsted Acid Sites of Zeolite

Herein, we analyze earlier obtained and new data about peculiarities of the H/D hydrogen exchange of small C₁–n‐C₄ alkanes on Zn‐modified high‐silica zeolites ZSM‐5 and BEA in comparison with the exchange for corresponding purely acidic forms of these zeolites. This allows us to identify an evident promoting effect of Zn on the activation of C? H bonds of alkanes by zeolite Brønsted sites. The effect of Zn is demonstrated by observing the regioselectivity of the H/D exchange for propane and n‐butane as well as by the increase in the rate and a decrease in the apparent activation energy of the exchange for all C₁–n‐C₄ alkanes upon modification of zeolites with Zn. The influence of Zn on alkane activation has been rationalized by dissociative adsorption of alkanes on Zn oxide species inside zeolite pores, which precedes the interaction of alkane with Brønsted acid sites.     

Base-induced Brönsted Acid Sites on Dealuminated HY Zeolite: A Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy Study

Using trimethylphosphine (TMP) and d₅-pyridine(deuterated pyridine) as the basic probe molecules, the concentrations of Brönsted acid sites on both HY zeolite and dealuminated HY zeolite have been quantitatively determined using solid-state ¹H and ³¹P magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR. After adsorption of the probe molecules, the concentration of Brönsted acid sites on the dealuminated HY zeolite increases by about 25%, whereas that in the parent HY sample remains almost unchanged. The increase in the concentration of Brönsted acid sites is due to the appearance of base-induced Brönsted acid sites in the dealuminated HY zeolite. The terminal SiOH in the vicinity of the aluminum atom is “induced” to form a bridging hydroxyl group (SiOHAl) in the presence of the basic probe molecules. The mechanism of formation of the induced Brönsted acid sites has also been discussed.     

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.     

Insight into Three‐Coordinate Aluminum Species on Ethanol‐to‐Olefin Conversion over ZSM‐5 Zeolites

Commercial bioethanol can be readily converted into ethylene by a dehydration process using solid acids, such as Brønsted acidic H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites, and thus, it is an ideal candidate to replace petroleum and coal for the sustainable production of ethylene. Now, strong Lewis acidic extra‐framework three‐coordinate Al³⁺ species were introduced into H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites to improve their catalytic activity. Remarkably, Al³⁺ species working with Brønsted acid sites can accelerate ethanol dehydration at a much lower reaction temperature and shorten the unsteady‐state period within 1–2 h, compared to >9 h for those without Al³⁺ species, which can significantly enhance the ethanol dehydration efficiency and reduce the cost. The reaction mechanism, studied by solid‐state NMR, shows that strong Lewis acidic EFAl‐Al³⁺ species can collaborate with Brønsted acid sites and promote ethanol dehydration either directly or indirectly via an aromatics‐based cycle to produce ethylene.     

31P MAS NMR固体核磁共振研究稀土改性Y分子筛的酸性

以三甲基磷氧（TMPO）和三丁基磷氧（TBPO）为探针分子,用³¹P魔角旋转核磁共振（³¹P MAS NMR）法对稀土改性Y型分子筛的酸性进行了定性和定量分析. 结果表明,以TMPO为探针分子的³¹P MAS NMR谱分别在δ = 78,70,65,62,58,55和53处存在与酸中心相关的吸收峰,其中δ = 78和70处吸收峰与分子筛内部和外部酸性有关,δ = 65,62,58和53处吸收峰归属于TMPO在分子筛内部Brönsted酸中心上的贡献,δ = 55处吸收峰归属于TMPO在分子筛内部Lewis酸中心上的贡献. 随着稀土含量的增加,中等强度Brönsted酸中心（δ = 62和58）数量显著增加,而强Brönsted酸中心（δ = 65）和较弱Lewis酸中心（δ = 55）数量显著降低. 结合分子筛骨架铝和非骨架铝对分子筛酸性的影响进一步探讨了稀土改型Y分子筛的酸性.     

Synergic Effect of Active Sites in Zinc‐Modified ZSM‐5 Zeolites as Revealed by High‐Field Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy

Understanding the nature of active sites in metal‐supported catalysts is of great importance towards establishing their structure–property relationships. The outstanding catalytic performance of metal‐supported catalysts is frequently ascribed to the synergic effect of different active sites, which is however not well spectroscopically characterized. Herein, we report the direct detection of surface Zn species and ¹H–⁶⁷Zn internuclear interaction between Zn²⁺ ions and Brønsted acid sites on Zn‐modified ZSM‐5 zeolites by high‐field solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The observed promotion of C?H bond activation of methane is rationalized by the enhanced Brønsted acidity generated by synergic effects arising from the spatial proximity/interaction between Zn²⁺ ions and Brønsted acidic protons. The concentration of synergic active sites is determined by ¹H–⁶⁷Zn double‐resonance solid‐state NMR spectroscopy.     

Effect of Brønsted/Lewis Acid Ratio on Conversion of Sugars to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural over Mesoporous Nb and Nb‐W Oxides

A series of mesoporous Nb and Nb‐W oxides were employed as highly active solid acid catalysts for the conversion of glucose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF ). The results of solid state ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopy with adsorbed trimethylphosphine as probe molecule show that the addition of W in niobium oxide increases the number of Brønsted acid sites and decreases the number of Lewis acid sites. The catalytic performance for Nb‐W oxides varied with the ratio of Brønsted to Lewis acid sites and high glucose conversion was observed over Nb₅W₅ and Nb₇W₃ oxides with high ratios of Brønsted to Lewis acid sites. All Nb‐W oxides show a relatively high selectivity of HMF , whereas no HMF forms over sulfuric acid due to its pure Brønsted acidity. The results indicate fast isomerization of glucose to fructose over Lewis acid sites followed by dehydration of fructose to HMF over Brønsted acid sites. Moreover, comparing to the reaction occurred in aqueous media, the 2‐butanol/H₂O system enhances the HMF selectivity and stabilizes the activity of the catalysts which gives the highest HMF selectivity of 52% over Nb₇W₃ oxide. The 2‐butanol/H₂O catalytic system can also be employed in conversion of sucrose, achieving HMF selectivity of 46% over Nb₅W₅ oxide.     

Active Ensembles in Methane Dehydroaromatization over Molybdenum/ZSM-5 Zeolite Identified by 2D 1H−95Mo Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Correlation Spectroscopy

Methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) over Mo-modified zeolite is a potential catalytic route for converting natural gas into valuable aromatics. However, the active species in this reaction are highly complex, involving diverse Mo species, acidic sites of zeolite, and organic molecules. Herein, we apply 1D ⁹⁵Mo NMR and 2D ¹H-⁹⁵Mo heteronuclear correlation solid-state NMR spectroscopy to directly observe the active ensembles in the confined channels of Mo/ZSM-5 zeolite during the MDA reaction. We monitor the evolution of the spatial correlations of Mo species with the Brønsted acid sites and organic products (olefins and aromatics) in the zeolite channels. We identified two kinds of MoO_xC_y species, with the more carbidic one (MoO_xC_y-II) exhibiting higher activity for methane activation and benzene formation. The strong spatial interactions between the active Mo species and the organic species in the Mo/ZSM-5 pores are related to the MDA activity.     

Phosphonate-Modified UiO-66 Brønsted Acid Catalyst and Its Use in Dehydra-Decyclization of 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran to Pentadienes

Phosphorus-modified all-silica zeolites exhibit activity and selectivity in certain Brønsted acid catalyzed reactions for biomass conversion. In an effort to achieve similar performance with catalysts having well-defined sites, we report the incorporation of Brønsted acidity to metal–organic frameworks with the UiO-66 topology, achieved by attaching phosphonic acid to the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate ligand and using it to form UiO-66-PO₃H₂ by post-synthesis modification. Characterization reveals that UiO-66-PO₃H₂ retains stability similar to UiO-66, and exhibits weak Brønsted acidity, as demonstrated by titrations, alcohol dehydration, and dehydra-decyclization of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF). For the later reaction, the reported catalyst exhibits site-time yields and selectivity approaching that of phosphoric acid on all-silica zeolites. Using solid-state NMR and deprotonation energy calculations, the chemical environments of P and the corresponding acidities are determined.     

Aromatization over nanosized Ga-containing ZSM-5 zeolites prepared by different methods: Effect of acidity of active Ga species on the catalytic performance

Nanosized Ga-containing ZSM-5 zeolites were prepared via isomorphous substitution and impregnation followed by characterized using various techniques. The catalytic performance of the zeolites for the aromatization of 1-hexene was investigated. The results indicate that isomorphous substitution promotes the incorporation of Ga heteroatoms into the framework along with the formation of extra-framework GaO⁺ species ([GaO⁺]^a) that have stronger interactions with the negative potential of the framework. In addition, based on the Py-IR results and catalytic performance, the [GaO⁺]^a species with stronger Lewis acid sites produced a better synergism with moderate Brønsted acid sites and thus improved the selectivity to aromatic compounds. However, the impregnation results in the formation of Ga₂O₃ phase and small amounts of GaO⁺ species that are mainly located on the external surface ([GaO⁺]^b), which contribute to weaker Lewis acid sites due to weaker interactions with the zeolite framework. During 1-hexene aromatization, the nanosized Ga isomorphously substituted ZSM-5 zeolite samples (Gax-NZ5) exhibited better catalytic performance compared to the impregnated samples, and the highest aromatic yield (i.e., 65.4 wt%) was achieved over the Ga4.2-NZ5 sample, which contained with the highest Ga content.     

Phosphonate‐Modified UiO‐66 Brønsted Acid Catalyst and Its Use in Dehydra‐Decyclization of 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran to Pentadienes

Phosphorus‐modified all‐silica zeolites exhibit activity and selectivity in certain Brønsted acid catalyzed reactions for biomass conversion. In an effort to achieve similar performance with catalysts having well‐defined sites, we report the incorporation of Brønsted acidity to metal–organic frameworks with the UiO‐66 topology, achieved by attaching phosphonic acid to the 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate ligand and using it to form UiO‐66‐PO₃H₂ by post‐synthesis modification. Characterization reveals that UiO‐66‐PO₃H₂ retains stability similar to UiO‐66, and exhibits weak Brønsted acidity, as demonstrated by titrations, alcohol dehydration, and dehydra‐decyclization of 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (2‐MTHF). For the later reaction, the reported catalyst exhibits site‐time yields and selectivity approaching that of phosphoric acid on all‐silica zeolites. Using solid‐state NMR and deprotonation energy calculations, the chemical environments of P and the corresponding acidities are determined.     

Acidity versus metal-induced Lewis acidity in zeolites for Friedel–Crafts acylation

Acid catalysts including Ni, Ag and Fe-loaded zeolites of different structures were prepared either via cationic exchange or impregnation techniques from pristine H-zeolites (BEA, and MFI). Their catalytic activity was evaluated in the liquid-phase Friedel–Crafts acylation of anisole with propanoic acid. It turned out that, whatever the doping procedure was, the zeolite loaded with transition metals led to considerable decrease in propanoic acid conversion, regardless of the nature or the metal content. However, the extent of this detrimental effect followed the order: Ag⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Fe³⁺.Pristine acidic zeolites were not only found to be the most active, but also to be the most selective toward ortho- and para-acylation products. H-ZSM-5 zeolites yielded the highest intrinsic activity, with TOF values of 0.09 h⁻¹. The catalyst activity proved to be essentially attributed to the density and accessibility of Brønsted acid sites, playing a key role in the activation of the reactants. Brønsted sites are proposed to be the most likely catalytic species for performing this Friedel–Crafts acylation.     

New Insights into Keggin‐Type 12‐Tungstophosphoric Acid from 31P MAS NMR Analysis of Absorbed Trimethylphosphine Oxide and DFT Calculations

The acid and transport properties of the anhydrous Keggin‐type 12‐tungstophosphoric acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀; HPW) have been studied by solid‐state ³¹P magic‐angle spinning NMR of absorbed trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO) in conjunction with DFT calculations. Accordingly, ³¹P NMR resonances arising from various protonated complexes, such as TMPOH⁺ and (TMPO)₂H⁺ adducts, could be unambiguously identified. It was found that thermal pretreatment of the sample at elevated temperatures (≥423 K) is a prerequisite for ensuring complete penetration of the TMPO guest probe molecule into HPW particles. Transport of the TMPO absorbate into the matrix of the HPW adsorbent was found to invoke a desorption/absorption process associated with the (TMPO)₂H⁺ adducts. Consequently, three types of protonic acid sites with distinct superacid strengths, which correspond to ³¹P chemical shifts of 92.1, 89.4, and 87.7 ppm, were observed for HPW samples loaded with less than three molecules of TMPO per Keggin unit. Together with detailed DFT calculations, these results support the scenario that the TMPOH⁺ complexes are associated with protons located at three different terminal oxygen (O_d) sites of the PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻ polyanions. Upon increasing the TMPO loading to >3.0 molecules per Keggin unit, abrupt decreases in acid strength and the corresponding structural variations were attributed to the change in secondary structure of the pseudoliquid phase of HPW in the presence of excessive guest absorbate.     

Effects of binder, coking and regeneration on acid properties of H-mordenite during TDP reaction

The effects of binder, coking and regeneration on the acid properties of H-mordenite zeolite during toluene disproportionation reaction (TDP) have been investigated by solid-state ³¹P-MAS-NMR of various adsorbed phosphorous probe molecules in conjunction with elemental analysis by ICP-MS technique. A series of fresh, spent and regenerated mordenite-based commercial catalysts were examined and the results were also compared with binder-free H-mordenite zeolite and unformulated γ-alumina binder. It is found that parent H-mordenite zeolite possessed only Brønsted acidity, which is responsible for the observed catalytic activity. In contrast, the γ-Al₂O₃ binder exhibited only Lewis acidity and plays a minor role during the catalytic reaction. While the amount of strong Brønsted acid sites decreased rapidly during initial coking, it reached a plateau at a total coke content of ca. 7 wt%, corresponding to ca. 80% decrease in total acidity. That the catalyst remained active even under deep coke deposition (>7 wt%) condition indicated catalytic activity may be invoked by subsequent coking taking place on the external surface rather than intracrystalline channels of the zeolite catalyst. Furthermore, upon catalyst regeneration treatment, ca. 75% of the total acidity could be effectively recovered.     

Theoretical predictions of 31p NMR chemical shift threshold of trimethylphosphine oxide absorbed on solid acid catalysts

The 31P NMR chemical shifts of adsorbed trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO) and the configurations of the corresponding TMPOH+ complexes on Br?nsted acid sites with varying acid strengths in modeled zeolites have been predicted theoretically by means of density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical calculations. The configuration of each TMPOH+ complex was optimized at the PW91/DNP level based on an 8T cluster model, whereas the 31P chemical shifts were calculated with the gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) approach at both the HF/TZVP and MP2/TZVP levels. A linear correlation between the 31P chemical shift of adsorbed TMPO and the proton affinity of the solid acids was observed, and a threshold for superacidity (86 ppm) was determined. This threshold for superacidity was also confirmed by comparative investigations on other superacid systems, such as carborane acid and heteropolyoxometalate H3PW12O40. In conjunction with the strong correlation between the MP2 and the HF 31P isotropic shifts, the 8T cluster model was extended to more sophisticated models (up to 72T) that are not readily tractable at the GIAO-MP2 level, and a 31P chemical shift of 86 ppm was determined for TMPO adsorbed on zeolite H-ZSM-5, which is in good agreement with the NMR experimental data.     

Impacts of Composition and Post‐Treatment on the Brønsted Acidity of Steam‐Treated Faujasite: Insights from FTIR Spectroscopy

A detailed FTIR study of the effects of steaming and acid leaching on protonated Y faujasite (FAU) and EMT zeolites is provided and the results are thoroughly analysed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the Brønsted acidic evolution and acidic strength measurements for a large series of as‐modified zeolites using CO as a sensitive probe to distinguish various protonic sites. While an increase of acidity for framework OH groups is observed during the strengthening of dealumination for both FAU and EMT series, the steaming process also generates a large variety of additional Brønsted acidic groups. Regarding acidic strength, these heterogeneous OH groups are sensitive to post‐treatments and their existence strongly depends on the initial composition of the zeolites. The presence of residual Na⁺ cations in the starting materials induces dramatic Brønsted acidic changes after steaming. As a result, steamed zeolites that initially contain traces of sodium possess unusual acidic Brønsted groups with low acidity. This result contradicts the trend generally observed with framework OH groups, for which steaming results in an increase of Brønsted acidic strength. The study reveals that the situation is indeed more complex, as some compositions and post‐treatments strongly influence the Brønsted acidity of as‐steamed zeolites both in their nature and their corresponding acidic strength. By linking these IR‐compiled features to the as‐exposed modifications, a large acidity scale better suited to characterizing catalysts having Brønsted acidity expanding from lowest to highest strength is proposed.     

Regulation of Brønsted acid sites in H-MOR for selective methyl methoxyacetate synthesis

As it is well known, Brønsted acid sites in 8-MR of H-MOR (mordenite) are selective for dimethyl ether (DME) carbonylation to methyl acetate, whereas those in 12-MR are more prone to methanol to olefin reaction. Interestingly, we observed that the Brønsted acid sites in 12-MR of H-MOR are highly active for dimethoxymethane (DMM) carbonylation to methyl methoxyacetate (MMAc), whereas those in 8-MR led to the formation of DME. A series of modified H-MOR catalysts with accurate regulation of Brønsted acid sites in 12-MR or 8-MR were successfully synthesized by selective Na⁺ exchange or pyridine (Py) adsorption. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, NH₃-temperature-programmed desorption, Py-FT-IR, and inductively coupled plasma analyses suggested that Na⁺ first occupied Brønsted acid sites in 8-MR and then replaced those in 12-MR. All Na⁺-exchanged catalysts exhibited significant acceleration on MMAc selectivity, and the ratio of Brønsted acid amount in 12-MR/total had a positive correlation with MMAc selectivity. The MMAc selectivity (78%) of H-MOR-0.15Na was nearly 2.5 times more than that of untreated H-MOR (31%). However, H-MOR-Py showed almost no carbonylation activity (<1% MMAc) and a highest DME selectivity (98%), indicating that Brønsted acid sites in 12-MR were the only active sites for DMM carbonylation, whereas those in 8-MR tended to accelerate DMM disproportionation to DME.