Characterization of extraframework Zn2+ cationic sites in silicalite-2: a computational study

Siting and coordination of Zn²⁺ ions at six plausible positions in all-silicate ZSM-11 material known as silicalite-2 have been investigated via hybrid density functional theory method at the B3LYP level employing molecular cluster models to represent the active site. The symmetrical trapping of Zn²⁺ ions in six-membered ring (6MR) sites of the main channels with a fivefold coordination to the framework oxygens was associated with the most stable binding among the investigated sites. On the contrary, the cation was found to be most weakly bound in sites at the intersections where it was twofold coordinated with slightly shorter Zn–O distances. A basket-like position for Zn doping was also recognized that exhibited no clear trends in the electronic and structural properties investigated.