Detailed reaction paths for zeolite dealumination and desilication from density functional calculations

The Paradoxical Influence of Hydrothermally Treated Zeolites on the Hydrocarbon Pool Mechanism

Understanding the mechanistic intricacies of hydrothermally treated zeolite is crucial for valorizing any oxygen-containing renewable feedstocks (e. g., methanol, carbon dioxide, biomass). Additionally, the regeneration of deactivated zeolite catalysts under oxidative conditions, akin to hydrothermal treatment, is essential in industrial processes. While research in this area has predominantly focused on characterizing steaming-induced physicochemical changes in zeolite, their ultimate impact on the organic reaction mechanism governed by the hydrocarbon pool dual-cycle mechanism remains unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study investigates the effect of steamed zeolite on the organic reaction mechanism during the industrially significant methanol-to-hydrocarbons process. We achieved this objective by strategically integrating catalytic and control experiments over the pristine and steamed zeolites and their advanced characterization, including under operando conditions, XRD structural refinement, and using "mobility-dependent" solid-state NMR spectroscopy. This multimodal characterization approach was instrumental in elucidating elusive mechanistic information in the dual-cycle mechanism, shedding light on phenomena such as the unchanged ethylene selectivity despite decreasing aromatics selectivity, while ethylene could solely be derived from arene-based reaction intermediates. This study could improve the process efficiency in zeolite catalysis by connecting steaming-induced changes in the organic reaction mechanisms with inorganic material aspects.

Revealing the Bro̷nsted Acidic Nature of Penta-Coordinated Aluminum Species in Dealuminated Zeolite Y with Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

The inevitable dealumination process of zeolite Y is closely related to ultrastabilization, enhanced Bro̷nsted acidity, and deactivation throughout its life cycle, producing complex aluminum and acidic hydroxyl species. Most investigations on dehydrated zeolites have focused on the Bro̷nsted acidity of tetra-coordinated Al (Al(IV)) and Lewis acidity associated with tricoordinated Al (Al(III)) sites, which has left the penta-coordinated Al (Al(V)) in dealuminated zeolites scarcely discussed. This is largely due to the oversimplified view of detectable Al(V) as an exclusively extra-framework species with Lewis acidity. Here we report the formation of Bro̷nsted acidic penta-coordinated Al species (Al(V)-BAS) in the dealumination process. Two-dimensional (2D) through-bond and multiquantum 1H-{27Al} correlation solid-state NMR experiments demonstrate the presence of a bridging Si-OH-Al(V) structure in dealuminated Y zeolites. Different from the conventional belief that water attack leads to the breaking of zeolite framework Al-O bonds in the initial stage of zeolite dealumination, the observed Al(V) as a dealumination intermediate is directly correlated with a BAS pair because of the direct dissociation of water on the framework tetrahedral aluminum (Al(IV)), thus bypassing the cleavage of Al-O bonds. 1H double-quantum solid-state NMR experiments and theoretical calculations provide further evidence for this mechanism, whereas pyridine adsorption experiments confirm stronger acidity of Al(V)-BASs than the traditional bridging hydroxyl groups associated with Al(IV). We were also able to detect the Al(V)-BAS site from dealuminated SSZ-13 zeolite with CHA topology, suggesting that its creation is not specific to the framework structure of zeolites.

Water structures on acidic zeolites and their roles in catalysis

The local reaction environment of catalytic active sites can be manipulated to modify the kinetics and thermodynamic properties of heterogeneous catalysis. Because of the unique physical-chemical nature of water, heterogeneously catalyzed reactions involving specific interactions between water molecules and active sites on catalysts exhibit distinct outcomes that are different from those performed in the absence of water. Zeolitic materials are being applied with the presence of water for heterogeneous catalytic reactions in the chemical industry and our transition to sustainable energy. Mechanistic investigation and in-depth understanding about the behaviors and the roles of water are essentially required for zeolite chemistry and catalysis. In this review, we focus on the discussions of the nature and structures of water adsorbed/stabilized on Brønsted and Lewis acidic zeolites based on experimental observations as well as theoretical calculation results. The unveiled functions of water structures in determining the catalytic efficacy of zeolite-catalyzed reactions have been overviewed and the strategies frequently developed for enhancing the stabilization of zeolite catalysts are highlighted. Recent advancement will contribute to the development of innovative catalytic reactions and the rationalization of catalytic performances in terms of activity, selectivity and stability with the presence of water vapor or in condensed aqueous phase.

Review and perspectives on TS-1 catalyzed propylene epoxidation

Titanium silicate zeolite (TS-1) is widely used in the research on selective oxidations of organic substrates by H2O2. Compared with the chlorohydrin process and the hydroperoxidation process, the TS-1 catalyzed hydroperoxide epoxidation of propylene oxide (HPPO) has advantages in terms of by-products and environmental friendliness. This article reviews the latest progress in propylene epoxidation catalyzed by TS-1, including the HPPO process and gas phase epoxidation. The preparation and modification of TS-1 for green and sustainable production are summarized, including the use of low-cost feedstocks, the development of synthetic routes, strategies to enhance mass transfer in TS-1 crystal and the enhancement of catalytic performance after modification. In particular, this article summarizes the catalytic mechanisms and advanced characterization techniques for propylene epoxidation in recent years. Finally, the present situation, development prospect and challenge of propylene epoxidation catalyzed by TS-1 were prospected.

Temperature-dependent synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from methanol over beta zeolite: a novel approach to a sustainable fuel

Crystalline beta zeolite molecular sieve with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 28.5 was synthesized by the hydrothermal crystallization method and examined for methanol dehydration reaction. The micro-mesoporous beta zeolite was active between 280 and 450°C. Dimethyl ether (DME) was observed as the predominant product at all reaction temperatures, with a maximum selectivity of 47.9% at 300°C and a methanol turnover frequency (TOFMeOH) of 741.9 h-1. At increased reaction temperatures, beta zeolite showed enhanced strong acid site fraction, promoting higher hydrocarbon formation following the olefin-based cycle. It was revealed that the crystallinity, porosity and acidity of beta zeolite change in the reaction environment. Amorphous carbon deposition occurred on beta zeolite, which involved a loss in crystallinity to some extent. The temperature increase showed a pore-broadening phenomenon at elevated temperature regions. Regeneration cycle testing demonstrated beta zeolite activity maintained stable throughout a 280 h time-on-stream period.

Molecular Views on Mechanisms of Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Reactions in Zeolites

The Brønsted acidity of proton-exchanged zeolites has historically led to the most impactful applications of these materials in heterogeneous catalysis, mainly in the fields of transformations of hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Unravelling the mechanisms at the atomic scale of these transformations has been the object of tremendous efforts in the last decades. Such investigations have extended our fundamental knowledge about the respective roles of acidity and confinement in the catalytic properties of proton exchanged zeolites. The emerging concepts are of general relevance at the crossroad of heterogeneous catalysis and molecular chemistry. In the present review, emphasis is given to molecular views on the mechanism of generic transformations catalyzed by Brønsted acid sites of zeolites, combining the information gained from advanced kinetic analysis, in situ, and operando spectroscopies, and quantum chemistry calculations. After reviewing the current knowledge on the nature of the Brønsted acid sites themselves, and the key parameters in catalysis by zeolites, a focus is made on reactions undergone by alkenes, alkanes, aromatic molecules, alcohols, and polyhydroxy molecules. Elementary events of C-C, C-H, and C-O bond breaking and formation are at the core of these reactions. Outlooks are given to take up the future challenges in the field, aiming at getting ever more accurate views on these mechanisms, and as the ultimate goal, to provide rational tools for the design of improved zeolite-based Brønsted acid catalysts.

Dealumination of small-pore zeolites through pore-opening migration process with the aid of pore-filler stabilization

Small-pore zeolites are gaining increasing attention owing to their superior catalytic performance. Despite being critical for the catalytic activity and lifetime, postsynthetic tuning of bulk Si/Al ratios of small-pore zeolites has not been achieved with well-preserved crystallinity because of the limited mass transfer of aluminum species through narrow micropores. Here, we demonstrate a postsynthetic approach to tune the composition of small-pore zeolites using a previously unexplored strategy named pore-opening migration process (POMP). Acid treatment assisted by stabilization of the zeolite framework by organic cations in pores is proven to be successful for the removal of Al species from zeolite via POMP. Furthermore, the dealuminated AFX zeolite is treated via defect healing, which yields superior hydrothermal stability against severe steam conditions. Our findings could facilitate industrial applications of small-pore zeolites via aluminum content control and defect healing and could elucidate the structural reconstruction and arrangement processes for inorganic microporous materials.

Catalytic Transformation of Biomass-Derived Glucose by One-Pot Method into Levulinic Acid over Na-BEA Zeolite

This article presents the results of the conversion of biomass-based glucose to levulinic acid (LA) with the use of Na-BEA commercial zeolite catalyst. For this purpose, synthetic zeolite BEA was used as a matrix. The glucose conversion process with the participation of Na-BEA zeolite allowed the following acids to be obtained: levulinic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid and formic acid. The highest yield of levulinic acid was achieved when processed for 1–5 h at 200–250 °C with 0.1 g and 0.6 g of Na-BEA catalyst. We also compare the one-pot heterogeneous process with similar homogeneous process using H2SO4 as catalyst.

Dynamic evolution of Al species in the hydrothermal dealumination process of CHA zeolite

The hydrothermal stability of zeolites is an important factor being considered which could restrict their scope of industrial application. Revealing the water-induced dealumination mechanism is crucial for improving the hydrothermal...

Comparison of Synthetic and Natural Zeolite Catalysts’ Behavior in the Production of Lactic Acid and Ethyl Lactate from Biomass-Derived Dihydroxyacetone

This article presents the results of the conversion of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to lactic acid (LA) with the use of zeolite catalysts. For this purpose, synthetic zeolite beta (BEA) and natural clinoptilolite (CLI) were used as a matrix. The zeolites were modified with various metals (Sn, Fe, Cu and Zn) during ion exchange under hydrothermal conditions. The DHA conversion process with the participation of metal-functionalized zeolites allowed us to obtain intermediates, i.e., pyruvic aldehyde (PAL), which during the further reaction was transformed into a mixture of products such as ethyl lactate (EL), pyruvic aldehyde (PA), lactic acid and ethyl acetate (EA). The best selectivity towards lactic acid was achieved using Sn-CLI (100%) > Na-BEA (98.7%) > Sn-BEA (95.9%) > Cu-BEA (92.9%), ethyl lactate using Cu-CLI, and pyruvic aldehyde using the Zn-BEA catalyst. In the case of a natural zeolite, modification with Sn is promising for obtaining a pure lactic acid with a relatively good carbon balance.

Recent progress in the improvement of hydrothermal stability of zeolites

Zeolites have been successfully employed in many catalytic reactions of industrial relevance. The severe conditions required in some processes, where high temperatures are frequently combined with the presence of steam, highlight the need of considering the evolution of the catalyst structure during the reaction. This review attempts to summarize the recently developed strategies to improve the hydrothermal framework stability of zeolites.

Zeolite (In)Stability under Aqueous or Steaming Conditions

Zeolites are among the most environmentally friendly materials produced industrially at the Megaton scale. They find numerous commercial applications, particularly in catalysis, adsorption, and separation. Under ambient conditions aluminosilicate zeolites are stable when exposed to water or water vapor. However, at extreme conditions as high temperature, high water vapor pressure or increased acidity/basicity, their crystalline framework can be destroyed. The stability of the zeolite framework under aqueous conditions also depends on the concentration and character of heteroatoms (other than Al) and the topology of the zeolite. The factors critical for zeolite (in)stability in the presence of water under various conditions are reviewed from the experimental as well as computational sides. Nonreactive and reactive interactions of water with zeolites are addressed. The goal of this review is to provide a comparative overview of all-silica zeolites, aluminosilicates and zeolites with other heteroatoms (Ti, Sn, and Ge) when contacted with water. Due attention is also devoted to the situation when partial zeolite hydrolysis is used beneficially, such as the formation of hierarchical zeolites, synthesis of new zeolites or fine-tuning catalytic or adsorption characteristics of zeolites.

Deactivation of Cu-Exchanged Automotive-Emission NH3 -SCR Catalysts Elucidated with Nanoscale Resolution Using Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy

To gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of catalyst durability for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with an ammonia reductant, we employed scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) to study Cu-exchanged zeolites with the CHA and MFI framework structures before and after simulated 135 000-mile aging. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements were performed at the Al K- and Cu L-edges. The local environment of framework Al, the oxidation state of Cu, and geometric changes were analyzed, showing a multi-factor-induced catalytic deactivation. In Cu-exchanged MFI, a transformation of CuII to CuI and Cux Oy was observed. We also found a spatial correlation between extra-framework Al and deactivated Cu species near the surface of the zeolite as well as a weak positive correlation between the amount of CuI and tri-coordinated Al. By inspecting both Al and Cu in fresh and aged Cu-exchanged zeolites, we conclude that the importance of the preservation of isolated CuII sites trumps that of Brønsted acid sites for NH3 -SCR activity.

The influence of adjacent Al atoms on the hydrothermal stability of H-SSZ-13: a first-principles study

The Al concentration and distribution have a great influence on the hydrothermal stability of the H-SSZ-13 zeolites in experiments. In this work, first-principles calculations are performed to clarify the decomposition mechanism of an H-SSZ-13 framework with adjacent Al atom pair distribution under hydrothermal conditions. It is found that the adjacent Al atoms have a tendency to occupy the para-sites of the 4-membered rings (4MRs) in the framework. Water molecules are chemisorbed onto the Al atom one by one, and the hydroxylation of the neighboring O atoms induces the breaking of the Al-O bonds, which causes the first dealumination in 4MRs. The other Al atom in the para-site can be easily removed from the framework once the first one is lost. The feasible subsequent dealumination of adjacent Al atoms would break the linker of 6MRs in the framework, which is responsible for the degraded hydrothermal stability. Moreover, the partial substitution of metal ions (such as Na⁺ and Cu⁺) for the protons in the framework will greatly stabilize the Al-O bonds and enlarge the energy barrier of para-site Al dealumination, which leads to the improved hydrothermal stability of H-SSZ-13.

Nickel Poisoning of a Cracking Catalyst Unravelled by Single-Particle X-ray Fluorescence-Diffraction-Absorption Tomography

Ni contamination from crude oil in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is one of the primary sources of catalyst deactivation, thereby promoting dehydrogenation-hydrogenation and speeding up coke growth. Herein, single-particle X-ray fluorescence, diffraction and absorption (μXRF-μXRD-μXAS) tomography is used in combination with confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) after thiophene staining to spatially resolve Ni interaction with catalyst components and study zeolite degradation, including the processes of dealumination and Brønsted acid sites distribution changes. The comparison between a Ni-lean particle, exposed to hydrotreated feedstock, and a Ni-rich one, exposed to non-hydrotreated feedstock, reveals a preferential interaction of Ni, found in co-localization with Fe, with the γ-Al₂ O₃ matrix, leading to the formation of spinel-type hotspots. Although both particles show similar surface zeolite degradation, the Ni-rich particle displays higher dealumination and a clear Brønsted acidity drop.

Collective action of water molecules in zeolite dealumination

Water molecules cooperate to facilitate Al–O bond hydrolysis during zeolite dealumination at real steaming conditions.

ZSM-5 decrystallization and dealumination in hot liquid water

ZSM-5 zeolite degrades the crystal surface framework and internal acid sites, dependent on the unique thermophysical nature of water solvent.

Computational Characterization of Defects in Metal-Organic Frameworks: Spontaneous and Water-Induced Point Defects in ZIF-8

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are an important class of porous crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) materials that have attracted widespread attention for applications ranging from gas adsorption and separation to catalysis. Although the bulk crystal structures of MOFs are typically well-characterized, comparatively little is known regarding MOF defect structures. Drawing on analogies with conventional silicon-based zeolites, we utilize computational methods to examine the structure and stability of putative point-defect structures (including vacancies, substitutions, and "dangling" linkers) within the prototypical ZIF-8 structure. Considering both postsynthetic (gas-phase) and synthetic (solution-phase) conditions, we find that several of the defect structures lie low in energy relative to the defect-free parent crystal, with barriers to defect formation that are large but surmountable under relevant temperatures. These results are consistent with prior experimental observations of ZIF stability and reactivity and suggest that defects may play an important role in influencing the long-term stability of MOFs under conditions that include exposure to water vapor and trace contaminants such as acid gases.

Structural analysis of hierarchically organized zeolites

Advances in materials synthesis bring about many opportunities for technological applications, but are often accompanied by unprecedented complexity. This is clearly illustrated by the case of hierarchically organized zeolite catalysts, a class of crystalline microporous solids that has been revolutionized by the engineering of multilevel pore architectures, which combine unique chemical functionality with efficient molecular transport. Three key attributes, the crystal, the pore and the active site structure, can be expected to dominate the design process. This review examines the adequacy of the palette of techniques applied to characterize these distinguishing features and their catalytic impact.

Chemical interaction of water molecules with framework Al in acid zeolites: a periodic ab initio study on H-clinoptilolite

Periodic quantum-chemistry methods as implemented in the CRYSTAL14 code were considered to analyse the interaction of acid clinoptilolite with water. Initially adsorbed molecules hydrolyse the Al-O bonds, giving rise to defective dealuminated materials. A suitable and representative periodic model of the partially disordered hydrated H-zeolite is the primitive cell (18 T sites) of a decahydrated trialuminated structure of HEU topology. The water distribution inside the material cavities was initially investigated. The model considered for further dealumination was the most stable one from those generated through a combined force field Monte Carlo and ab initio optimization strategy. Optimizations and energy estimations were made at the hybrid DFT level of theory (PBE0 functional) with an atomic basis set of VDZP quality. The energetics of the different pathways involved in the dealumination process was addressed by considering the Gibbs free energy with thermal and zero-point corrections through phonon analysis. It arises that hydrated models exhibit protonated water clusters stabilized by different kinds of H-bonds. The first Al extraction is slightly more energetically favourable from T3 than T2 sites, but at the same time the latter is more probable owing to its larger Al population. However, concerning the second dealumination step, it is more favourable removing the Al atom from both remaining sites after a starting abstraction from T2 rather than T3. These facts determine that the most probable overall pathways go through a first Al removal from T2. The agreement with experimental results is discussed.

Phosphorus promotion and poisoning in zeolite-based materials: synthesis, characterisation and catalysis

Complex interactions between phosphorus and zeolites are related to several promotional and poisoning effects in zeolite catalysis.

Phosphorus and microporous aluminosilicates, better known as zeolites, have a unique but poorly understood relationship. For example, phosphatation of the industrially important zeolite H-ZSM-5 is a well-known, relatively inexpensive and seemingly straightforward post-synthetic modification applied by the chemical industry not only to alter its hydrothermal stability and acidity, but also to increase its selectivity towards light olefins in hydrocarbon catalysis. On the other hand, phosphorus poisoning of zeolite-based catalysts, which are used for removing nitrogen oxides from exhaust fuels, poses a problem for their use in diesel engine catalysts. Despite the wide impact of phosphorus–zeolite chemistry, the exact physicochemical processes that take place require a more profound understanding. This review article provides the reader with a comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of the academic literature, from the first reports in the late 1970s until the most recent studies. In the first part an in-depth analysis is undertaken, which will reveal universal physicochemical and structural effects of phosphorus–zeolite chemistry on the framework structure, accessibility, and strength of acid sites. The second part discusses the hydrothermal stability of zeolites and clarifies the promotional role that phosphorus plays. The third part of the review paper links the structural and physicochemical effects of phosphorus on zeolite materials with their catalytic performance in a variety of catalytic processes, including alkylation of aromatics, catalytic cracking, methanol-to-hydrocarbon processing, dehydration of bioalcohol, and ammonia selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO_x. Based on these insights, we discuss potential applications and important directions for further research.

Hexane cracking over steamed phosphated zeolite H-ZSM-5: promotional effect on catalyst performance and stability

The nature behind the promotional effect of phosphorus on the catalytic performance and hydrothermal stability of zeolite H-ZSM-5 has been studied using a combination of (27) Al and (31) P MAS NMR spectroscopy, soft X-ray absorption tomography and n-hexane catalytic cracking, complemented with NH3 temperature-programmed desorption and N2 physisorption. Phosphated H-ZSM-5 retains more acid sites and catalytic cracking activity after steam treatment than its non-phosphated counterpart, while the selectivity towards propylene is improved. It was established that the stabilization effect is twofold. First, the local framework silico-aluminophosphate (SAPO) interfaces, which form after phosphatation, are not affected by steam and hold aluminum atoms fixed in the zeolite lattice, preserving the pore structure of zeolite H-ZSM-5. Second, the four-coordinate framework aluminum can be forced into a reversible sixfold coordination by phosphate. These species remain stationary in the framework under hydrothermal conditions as well. Removal of physically coordinated phosphate after steam-treatment leads to an increase in the number of strong acid sites and increased catalytic activity. We propose that the improved selectivity towards propylene during catalytic cracking can be attributed to local SAPO interfaces located at channel intersections, where they act as impediments in the formation of bulky carbenium ions and therefore suppress the bimolecular cracking mechanism.