Apparent Anomalous Temperature Dependence of Self-Diffusion Studied by Pulsed-Field Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Thermodynamic Modeling

The self-diffusivity of cyclohexane and n-octane adsorbed in hierarchical zeolite monoliths has been investigated by using PFG-NMR. In these samples, the intrinsic FAU-X zeolite microporosity combines with a complex macroporous network composed of aggregated zeolite nanocrystals. As temperature is increased, cyclohexane self-diffusivity apparently decreases, reaches a minimum, and then starts increasing upon further increasing the temperature. Such striking, i.e., non-Arrhenius, temperature dependence is not observed for n-octane in the same samples and for cyclohexane adsorbed in purely microporous FAU-X. Through thermodynamic modeling, we show that this anomalous behavior can be rationalized by considering the evolution in the adsorbate populations when changing the temperature. In more detail, we show that the slow and fast diffusing species present in the microporosity and secondary porosity arising from the packing of zeolite nanocrystals vary significantly with a strong impact on the effective diffusivity. Applying the temperature evolution of their relative fractions to a simple two-phase diffusion model helps obtain insights into the physicochemical factors responsible for the complex behavior of effective self-diffusivity in hierarchical zeolites.

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.

Hierarchically Porous Covalent Organic Frameworks: Synthesis Methods and Applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high porosity have garnered considerable interest for various applications owing to their robust and customizable structure. However, conventional COFs are hindered by their narrow pore size, which poses limitations for applications such as heterogeneous catalysis and guest delivery that typically involve large molecules. The development of hierarchically porous COF (HP-COF), featuring a multi-scale aperture distribution, offers a promising solution by significantly enhancing the diffusion capacity and mass transfer for larger molecules. This review focuses on the recent advances in the synthesis strategies of HP-COF materials, including topological structure design, in-situ templating, monolithic COF synthesis, defect engineering, and crystalline self-transformation. The specific operational principles and affecting factors in the synthesis process are summarized and discussed, along with the applications of HP-COFs in heterogeneous catalysis, toxic component treatment, optoelectronics, and the biomedical field. Overall, this review builds a bridge to understand HP-COFs and provides guidance for further development of them on synthesis strategies and applications.

Exploring the Potential of Hierarchical Zeolite-Templated Carbon Materials for High-Performance Li-O2 Batteries: Insights from Molecular Simulations

The commercialization of ultrahigh capacity lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries is highly dependent on the cathode architecture, and a better understanding of its role in species transport and solid discharge product (i.e., Li2O2) formation is critical to improving the discharge capacity. Tailoring the pore size distribution in the cathode structure can enhance the ion mobility and increase the number of reaction sites to improve the formation of solid Li2O2. In this work, the potential of hierarchical zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC) structures as novel electrodes for Li-O2 batteries was investigated by using reactive force field molecular dynamics simulation (reaxFF-MD). Initially, 47 microporous zeolite-templated carbon morphologies were screened based on microporosity and specific area. Among them, four structures (i.e., RHO-, BEA-, MFI-, and FAU-ZTCs) were selected for further investigation including hierarchical features in their structures. Discharge product cluster analysis, self-diffusivities, and density number profiles of Li+, O2, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) electrolyte were obtained to find that the RHO-type ZTC exhibited enhanced mass transfer compared to conventional microporous ZTC (approximately 31% for O2, 44% for Li+, and 91% for DMSO) electrodes. This is due to the promoted formation of small-sized product clusters, creating more accessible sites for oxygen reduction reaction and mass transport. These findings indicate how hierarchical ZTC electrodes with micro- and mesopores can enhance the discharge performance of aprotic Li-O2 batteries, providing molecular insights into the underlying phenomena.

Effect of CNT over structural properties of SAPO-34 in MTO process: Experimental and molecular simulation studies

The hierarchical silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO-34) catalyst was synthesized using the mixtures of diethylamine (D) and butylamine (B) as a structure-directing agent (SDA), and carbon nanotube (CNT) as a secondary template in the hydrothermal method. The catalysts were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), N2 physisorption, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) techniques and evaluated for the catalytic activity in the Methanol to Olefins (MTO) process. The results showed that the use of CNT as the secondary template improved the hierarchical structure of SAPO-34 due to increasing the external surface area and mesoporosity and decreasing the particle size and as a result, made better the performance of the prepared SAPO-34 zeolite in the MTO process. Among all the prepared samples, the CNT-B-D catalyst synthesized by mixing three templates displayed the highest ethylene and propylene selectivity of 49% and 34%, respectively. Also, using CNT in the synthesis of samples increased the catalytic stability. In addition, pure, binary, and ternary adsorption isotherms and diffusivities of the main products and reactants over the SAPO-34 were investigated by theoretical measurements, because sorption and diffusion affect the catalyst stability and C2-C3 selectivity in the MTO reaction. The higher diffusion rate of ethylene leads to following the aromatic-based cycle in the MTO process.

Flexible, Thermally Stable, and Ultralightweight Polyimide-CNT Aerogel Composite Films for Energy Storage Applications

Polyimide (PI) aerogels are promising in various fields of application, ranging from thermal insulators to aerospace. However, they are typically in the form of a bulk monolith, which suffers from a lack of conformability and drapability. Moreover, their electrical conductivity is limited, and they mainly display an insulative behavior. These shortcomings can limit the applications of PI aerogels in energy storage systems, which require ultralightweight flexible conductive films, which at the same time offer high thermal stability, ultralow density, and high surface area. To overcome these obstacles, the present study reports the fabrication of PI-carbon nanotube (PI-CNT) aerogel composite films with varying CNT content prepared through a sol-gel preparation method, followed by a supercritical drying procedure. Compared to pristine PI aerogels, which displayed a large shrinkage and density of 18.3% and 0.12 g cm-3, respectively, the incorporation of only 5 wt % CNTs resulted in a significant reduction of both shrinkage and density to only 11.5% and 0.10 g cm-3, respectively. This suggests the importance of CNTs in improving the dimensional stability of aerogels and creating a robust network. Further characterizations showed that incorporation of 5 wt % CNTs also resulted in the highest pore volume (1.25 cm3 g-1), highest surface area (324 m2 g-1), highest real permittivity (80), highest electrical conductivity (3 × 10-1 S m-1), and ultrahigh service temperature (575 °C). It was also shown that the aerogel films can withstand a large degree of bending, can be twisted, and can be fully rolled with no obvious cracks propagated in the structure. The combined outstanding properties of the developed aerogel composite films make them promising potential candidates for supercapacitor electrodes. Therefore, the electrochemical performance of the devices based on aerogel electrodes was further studied. The device demonstrated a high energy density of 2.6 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 303.8 W kg-1. The total capacitance after 5000 cycles was 91.8% of the initial capacitance, which indicated excellent stability and durability of the device. Overall, this work provides a facile yet effective methodology for the development of high-performance aerogel materials for energy storage applications.

MOF-Based Chemiresistive Gas Sensors: Toward New Functionalities

The sensing performances of gas sensors must be improved and diversified to enhance quality of life by ensuring health, safety, and convenience. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which exhibit an extremely high surface area, abundant porosity, and unique surface chemistry, provide a promising framework for facilitating gas-sensor innovations. Enhanced understanding of conduction mechanisms of MOFs has facilitated their use as gas-sensing materials, and various types of MOFs have been developed by examining the compositional and morphological dependences and implementing catalyst incorporation and light activation. Owing to their inherent separation and absorption properties and catalytic activity, MOFs are applied as molecular sieves, absorptive filtering layers, and heterogeneous catalysts. In addition, oxide- or carbon-based sensing materials with complex structures or catalytic composites can be derived by the appropriate post-treatment of MOFs. This review discusses the effective techniques to design optimal MOFs, in terms of computational screening and synthesis methods. Moreover, the mechanisms through which the distinctive functionalities of MOFs as sensing materials, heterostructures, and derivatives can be incorporated in gas-sensor applications are presented.

Molecular Diffusion in Nanoreactors' Pore Channel System: Measurement Techniques, Structural Regulation, and Catalytic Effects

Nanoreactors, as a new class of materials with highly enriched and ordered pore channel structures, can achieve special catalytic effects by precisely identifying and controlling the molecular diffusion behavior within the ordered pore channel system. Nanoreactors-driven molecular diffusion within the ordered pore channels can be highly dependent on the local microenvironment in the nanoreactors' pore channel system. Although the diffusion process of molecules within the ordered pore channels of nanoreactors is crucial for the regulation of catalytic behaviors, it has not yet been as clearly elucidated as it deserves to be in this study. In this review, fundamental theory and measurement techniques for molecular diffusion in the pore channel system of nanoreactors are presented, structural regulation strategies of pore channel parameters for controlling molecular diffusion are discussed, and the effects of molecular diffusion in the pore channel system on catalytic reactivity and selectivity are further analyzed. This article attempts to further develop the underlying theory of molecular diffusion within the theoretical framework of nanoreactor-driven catalysis, and the proposed perspectives may contribute to the rational design of advanced catalytic materials and the precise control of complex catalytic kinetics.

Ordered Mesoporous Electrodes for Sensing Applications

Electrochemical sensors have become increasingly relevant in fields such as medicine, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. Selectivity, specificity, sensitivity, signal reproducibility, and robustness are among the most important challenges for their development, especially when the target compound is present in low concentrations or in complex analytical matrices. In this context, electrode modification with Mesoporous Thin Films (MTFs) has aroused great interest in the past years. MTFs present high surface area, uniform pore distribution, and tunable pore size. Furthermore, they offer a wide variety of electrochemical signal modulation possibilities through molecular sieving, electrostatic or steric exclusion, and preconcentration effects which are due to mesopore confinement and surface functionalization. In order to fully exploit these advantages, it is central to develop reproducible routes for sensitive, selective, and robust MTF-modified electrodes. In addition, it is necessary to understand the complex mass and charge transport processes that take place through the film (particularly in the mesopores, pore surfaces, and interfaces) and on the electrode in order to design future intelligent and adaptive sensors. We present here an overview of MTFs applied to electrochemical sensing, in which we address their fabrication methods and the transport processes that are critical to the electrode response. We also summarize the current applications in biosensing and electroanalysis, as well as the challenges and opportunities brought by integrating MTF synthesis with electrode microfabrication, which is critical when moving from laboratory work to in situ sensing in the field of interest.

Development of activated carbon for removal of pesticides from water: case study

The work primarily concerns development of activated carbon dedicated for adsorption of pesticides from water prior directing it to the distribution system. We provide an information on research on important practical aspects related to research carried out to develop and to manufacture activated carbons. The paper concerns preliminary works on selection raw materials, a binder used for producing granulated adsorbent, activating gases, conditions of the production process, and others. The key attention in this research was paid to its target, i.e., industrial process to produce activated carbon revealing fulfilling required properties including satisfying adsorption of selected pesticides and meeting the requirements of companies dealing with a large-scale production of drinking water. Therefore, among others, the work includes considerations concerning such aspects like pore structure and specific surface area of the activated carbon, formation of granules that are the most demanded and thus preferred in an industrial practice form of activated carbons, and other aspects important from practical point of view. Using the results of our preliminary work, a batch of granular activated carbon was produced in industrial conditions. The obtained material was tested in terms of removing several pesticides at a water treatment plant operating on an industrial scale. During tests the concentration of acetochlor ESA was decreased from ca. 0.4 µg/l in raw water to below 0.1 µg/l. During 11 months of AC use specific surface area of adsorbent lowered significantly by 164 m²/g, and total pore volume declined from initial 0.56 cm³/g to 0.455 cm³/g. We discuss both a performance of the obtained activated carbon in a long-term removal of acetochlor and its derivatives from water and an effect of exploitation time on the removal efficiency. The explanations for the reduction in pesticide removal efficiency are also proposed and discussed.

Step-By-Step Modeling and Demetallation Experimental Study on the Porous Structure in Zeolites

The organization of microporous space in zeolites is discussed. A new step-by-step model is proposed that explains the principles of organizing the hierarchy of microporous space at the stage of assembling zeolites from elements of minimal size: a primary building unit, secondary building units, tertiary building units or building polyhedra, a sodalite cage, and a supercage. To illustrate the stepwise hierarchical porous structure of nanomaterials, the following zeolites with small and large micropores have been selected as the model objects: sodalite (SOD, the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.3 nm) and zeolites of type A (LTA, the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.41 nm), type X, Y (FAU, the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.75 nm), and type BETA (the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.67 nm). Two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling in 3Ds Max software was used. We believe that such an approach will be useful for developing ways to create complex zeolite compositions for specific applications, such as catalysis, where the geometry of the pores determines the size of the molecules entering the voids and computer modeling can play an important predictive role. This work takes a look at specific aspects of using the heat desorption method to study mesoporous materials with a BETA zeolite as an example and presents the results of experimental research into the characteristics of the porous structure of hierarchically structured zeolite materials (specific surface area 180-380 m²/g, external surface area 120-200 m²/g, micropore volume 0.001-0.1 mL/g).

Boosting molecular diffusion following the generalized Murray's Law by constructing hierarchical zeolites for maximized catalytic activity

Diffusion is an extremely critical step in zeolite catalysis that determines the catalytic performance, in particular for the conversion of bulky molecules. Introducing interconnected mesopores and macropores into a single microporous zeolite with the rationalized pore size at each level is an effective strategy to suppress the diffusion limitations, but remains highly challenging due to the lack of rational design principles. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of boosting molecular diffusion by constructing hierarchical Murray zeolites with a highly ordered and fully interconnected macro-meso-microporous structure on the basis of the generalized Murray's Law. Such a hierarchical Murray zeolite with a refined quantitative relationship between the pore size at each length scale exhibited 9 and 5 times higher effective diffusion rates, leading to 2.5 and 1.5 times higher catalytic performance in the bulky 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene cracking reaction than those of microporous ZSM-5 and ZSM-5 nanocrystals, respectively. The concept of hierarchical Murray zeolites with optimized structural features and their design principles could be applied to other catalytic reactions for maximized performance.

Diffusive Skin Effect in Zeolites

Effective contact and collision between reactants and active sites are essential for heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we investigated molecular diffusion in more than 200 kinds of zeolites, and an intriguing "diffusive skin effect" was observed, whereby molecules migrated along the pore walls of zeolites (i.e., diffusion trajectories) because of the effect of the guest-host interaction and diffusion barrier. Furthermore, it was found that such a "diffusive skin effect" of zeolites would strongly promote the contacts and collisions between reactants and active sites in the reaction process, which might effectively promote the zeolite-catalyzed performance. These new findings will provide some new fundamental understanding of zeolite catalytic mechanisms under confinement effect.

Dissolution Behavior and Varied Mesoporosity of Zeolites by NH4 F Etching

The mesopores formation in zeolite crystals has long been considered to occur through the stochastic hydrolysis and removal of framework atoms. Here, we investigate the NH₄ F etching of representative small, medium, and large pore zeolites and show that the zeolite dissolution behavior, therefore the mesopore formation probability, is dominated by zeolite architecture at both nano- and sub-nano scales. At the nano-scale, the hidden mosaics of zeolite structure predetermine the spatio-temporal dissolution of the framework, hence the size, shape, location, and orientation of the mesopores. At the sub-nano scale, the intrinsic micropore size and connectivity jointly determine the diffusivity of reactant and dissolved products. As a result, the dissolution propensity varies from removing small framework fragments to consuming nanodomains and up to full digestion of the outmost part of zeolite crystals. The new knowledge will lead to new understanding of zeolite dissolution behavior and new adapted strategies for tailoring hierarchical zeolites.

Ligand-Tuned Energetics for the Selective Synthesis of Ni2P and Ni12P5 Possessing Bifunctional Electrocatalytic Activity toward Hydrogen Evolution and Hydrazine Oxidation Reactions

The occurrence of many phases and stoichiometries of nickel phosphides calls for the development of synthetic levers to selectively produce phases with purity. Herein, thiol (-SH) and carboxylate (-COO^-) functional groups in ligands were found to effectively tune the energetics of nickel phosphide phases during hydrothermal synthesis. The initial kinetic product Ni₂P transforms into thermodynamically stable Ni₁₂P₅ at longer reaction times. The binding of carboxylate onto Ni₂P promotes this phase transformation to produce pure-phase Ni₁₂P₅ within 5 h compared to previous reports (∼48 h). Thiol-containing ligands inhibit this transformation process by providing higher stability to the Ni₂P phase. Cysteine-capped Ni₂P showed excellent geometric and intrinsic electrocatalytic activity toward both hydrogen evolution and hydrazine oxidation reactions under alkaline conditions. This bifunctional electrocatalytic nature enables cysteine-capped Ni₂P to promote hydrazine-assisted hydrogen generation that requires lower energy (0.46 V to achieve 10 mA/cm_geo²) compared to the conventional overall water splitting (1.81 V to achieve 10 mA/cm_geo²) for hydrogen generation.

Effect of acid distribution and pore structure of ZSM-5 on catalytic performance

Zeolite with crystal intracrystalline pore structure with less acid on the outer surface.

Direct Synthesis of Nanorods Stacked “Nest-like” Hierarchical ZSM-48 Hollow Sphere by Triazine-based Bolaform Organic Structure-Directing Agent

Rational design of organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs) is always regarded as a promising strategy to produce ZSM-48 with diversified configurations. However, up till now, only OSDAs with alkyl and alkenyl...

Hierarchical Zeolites-confined Metal Catalysts and Their Enhanced Catalytic Performances

The confinement of metal species within hierarchical zeolites combines the acidic/basic sites of zeolites, the enhanced mass transfer of mesoporous system, and the inside active metal sites, leading to high activity, unique selectivity, and superior stability in chemicals synthesis, energy and environment catalysis. To date, review on this emerging topic is rarely reported. Herein, we classify five metals-hierarchical zeolites composite (metal@hierarchical zeolites) according to the location of metals on hierarchical structure, including metals located on micropores, intercrystalline mesopores, intracrystalline mesopores, hollow nanobox and mesoporous shells. The synthesis and catalysis applications of metal@hierarchical zeolites composite are provided, highlighting the rational design of catalyst preparation, the improved catalytic efficiency and stability of metal species. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and future opportunities for this emerging field. This Review is expected to inspire more developments and applications of metal@hierarchical zeolites.

Fabrication, functionalization and advanced applications of magnetic hollow materials in confined catalysis and environmental remediation

Magnetic hollow-structured functional hybrid materials with unique architectures and preeminent properties have always been an area of extensive research. They represent a subtle collaboration of hollow architecture, mesoporous nanostructure and magnetic character. Owing to the merits of a large void space, low density, high specific surface area, well-defined active sites and facile magnetic recovery, these materials present promising application projections in numerous fields, such as drug delivery, adsorption, storage, catalysis and many others. In this review, recent progress in the design, synthesis, functionalization and applications of magnetic hollow-meso/nanostructured materials are discussed. The first part of the review has been dedicated to the preparation and functionalization of the materials. The synthetic protocols have been broadly classified into template-assisted and template-free methods and major trends in their synthesis have been elaborated in detail. Furthermore, the benefits and drawbacks of each method are compared. The later part summarizes the application aspects of confined catalysis in organic transformations and environmental remediation such as degradation of organic pollutants, dyes and antibiotics and adsorption of heavy metal ions. Finally, an outlook of future directions in this research field is highlighted.

Chemical Imaging of Hierarchical Porosity Formation within a Zeolite Crystal Visualized by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering and In-Situ Fluorescence Microscopy

Introducing hierarchical porosity to zeolites is vital for providing molecular access to microporous domains. Yet, the dynamics of meso- and macropore formation has remained elusive and pore space ill-characterized by a lack of (in situ) microscopic tools sensitive to nanoporosity. Here, we probe hierarchical porosity formation within a zeolite ZSM-5 crystal in real-time by in situ fluorescence microscopy during desilication. In addition, we introduce small-angle X-ray scattering microscopy as novel characterization tool to map intracrystal meso- and macropore properties. It is shown that hierarchical porosity formation initiates at the crystal surface and propagates to the crystal core via a pore front with decreasing rate. Also, hierarchical porosity only establishes in specific (segments of) subunits which constitute ZSM-5. Such space-dependent meso- and macroporosity implies local discrepancies in diffusion, performance and deactivation behaviors even within a zeolite crystal.

Hierarchical mesoporous zinc-imidazole dicarboxylic acid MOFs: Surfactant-directed synthesis, pH-responsive degradation, and drug delivery

The surfactant template-directed solvothermal method was applied in the synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous zinc-imidazolate derivative metal-organic framework (mesoMOF), which was then utilized for active loading of cisplatin (cis-Pt). To fabricate mesoMOF, various amounts of the surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide: 0.1-0.3 g) and linker (citric acid: 0.05-0.15 g) were added to the reaction mixture, which resulted in different particle sizes and morphologies. MesoMOF quality attributes such as Specific surface area (SSA), total porous volume, and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore diameter were also determined. At the optimum reaction condition, mesoMOF with a high surface area (1859 m²/g), pore diameter (14.13 nm) and total pore volume (0.314 cm³/g) was attained. In the next step, cis-Pt was actively loaded in the mesoMOF with a high loading capacity (28% w/w), which was remarkably superior to the microporous MOF. Interestingly, in mildly acidic pH (5.5), mesoMOF underwent degradation, resulting in a rapid release of cis-Pt. Cell viability and apoptosis induction assays confirmed the superiority of the cis-Pt loaded mesoMOF over free drug in a resistant ovarian tumor cell line (A2780cp). Altogether, due to their tunable size and morphology, pH-responsiveness, and acceptable tolerability in mice, the mesoMOFs can be regarded as an anti-cancer drug delivery system.

Reverse ADOR: reconstruction of UTL zeolite from layered IPC-1P

The assembly-disassembly-organisation-reassembly (ADOR) process has led to the discovery of numerous zeolite structures, albeit limited to materials with decreased pore size in relation to the parent germanosilicate zeolite. This limitation stems from the rapid decrease in d-spacing upon hydrolysis (disassembly). Nevertheless, we have artificially increased the d-spacing of layered IPC-1P by intercalating organic species. Furthermore, we have reconstructed double four rings (D4R) between layers, thus transforming IPC-1P back into the parent UTL zeolite. This reconstruction has provided not only germanosilicate but also a new, high-silica UTL zeolite (Si/Ge = 481). Therefore, our "reverse ADOR" opens up new synthetic routes towards promising extra-large-pore zeolite-based materials with new chemical compositions.

Impact of Geometrical Disorder on Phase Equilibria of Fluids and Solids Confined in Mesoporous Materials

Porous solids used in practical applications often possess structural disorder over broad length scales. This disorder strongly affects different properties of the substances confined in their pore spaces. Quantifying structural disorder and correlating it with the physical properties of confined matter is thus a necessary step toward the rational use of porous solids in practical applications and process optimization. The present work focuses on recent advances made in the understanding of correlations between the phase state and geometric disorder in nanoporous solids. We overview the recently developed statistical theory for phase transitions in a minimalistic model of disordered pore networks: linear chains of pores with statistical disorder. By correlating its predictions with various experimental observations, we show that this model gives notable insight into collective phenomena in phase-transition processes in disordered materials and is capable of explaining self-consistently the majority of the experimental results obtained for gas-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria in mesoporous solids. The potentials of the theory for improving the gas sorption and thermoporometry characterization of porous materials are discussed.

Synergistically enhance confined diffusion by continuum intersecting channels in zeolites

In separation and catalysis applications, adsorption and diffusion are normally considered mutually exclusive. That is, rapid diffusion is generally accompanied by weak adsorption and vice versa. In this work, we analyze the anomalous loading-dependent mechanism of p-xylene diffusion in a newly developed zeolite called SCM-15. The obtained results demonstrate that the unique system of "continuum intersecting channels" (i.e., channels made of fused cavities) plays a key role in the diffusion process for the molecule-selective pathways. At low pressure, the presence of strong adsorption sites and intersections that provide space for molecule rotation facilitates the diffusion of p-xylene along the Z direction. Upon increasing the molecular uptake, the adsorbates move faster along the X direction because of the effect of continuum intersections in reducing the diffusion barriers and thus maintaining the large diffusion coefficient of the diffusing compound. This mechanism synergistically improves the diffusion in zeolites with continuum intersecting channels.

A Review on Production of Light Olefins via Fluid Catalytic Cracking

The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is an alternative olefin production technology, with lower CO2 emission and higher energy-saving. This process is used for olefin production by almost 60% of the global feedstocks. Different parameters including the operating conditions, feedstock properties, and type of catalyst can strongly affect the catalytic activity and product distribution. FCC catalysts contain zeolite as an active component, and a matrix, a binder, and a filler to provide the physical strength of the catalyst. Along with the catalyst properties, the FCC unit’s performance also depends on the operating conditions, including the feed composition, hydrocarbon partial pressure, temperature, residence time, and the catalyst-to-oil ratio (CTO). This paper provides a summary of the light olefins production via the FCC process and reviews the influences of the catalyst composition and operating conditions on the yield of light olefins.

Bridging scales in disordered porous media by mapping molecular dynamics onto intermittent Brownian motion

Owing to their complex morphology and surface, disordered nanoporous media possess a rich diffusion landscape leading to specific transport phenomena. The unique diffusion mechanisms in such solids stem from restricted pore relocation and ill-defined surface boundaries. While diffusion fundamentals in simple geometries are well-established, fluids in complex materials challenge existing frameworks. Here, we invoke the intermittent surface/pore diffusion formalism to map molecular dynamics onto random walk in disordered media. Our hierarchical strategy allows bridging microscopic/mesoscopic dynamics with parameters obtained from simple laws. The residence and relocation times - t_A, t_B - are shown to derive from pore size d and temperature-rescaled surface interaction ε/k_BT. t_A obeys a transition state theory with a barrier ~ε/k_BT and a prefactor ~10^-12 s corrected for pore diameter d. t_B scales with d which is rationalized through a cutoff in the relocation first passage distribution. This approach provides a formalism to predict any fluid diffusion in complex media using parameters available to simple experiments.

N-, P-, and O-Tridoped Carbon Hollow Nanospheres with Openings in the Shell Surfaces: A Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst toward the ORR

Recently, carbon nanomaterials doped with nonmetallic atoms have been used as electrocatalysts involved in oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) because of the lack of degradation and contamination problems caused by metal dissolution, low cost, sustainability, and multifunctionality. In this study, the metal-free N-, P-, O-tridoped carbon hollow nanospheres (N, P, O-Carbon) with openings in the shell surfaces have been developed, where poly(o-phenylenediamine) hollow nanospheres with openings in the shell surfaces were chosen as a nitrogen-rich polymer, and then different phosphorus sources (such as NaH₂PO₂, H₃PO₄, and phytic acid (PA)) were introduced for heat treatment. When used as electrocatalysts, N, P, O-Carbon-PA showed the best ORR electroactivity with an onset potential (E_onset) of 0.98 V and the limit current density of 5.39 mA cm^-2. The origin of high activity associated with heteroatom doping was elucidated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory. The results evidenced the high potential of N, P, O-Carbon as highly active nonmetal ORR electrocatalysts. It can be expected that the conclusions rendered herein will provide guidance for the reasonable design of other heteroatom-doped carbon for wider applications.

Fiber-Based Gas Filter Assembled via In Situ Synthesis of ZIF-8 Metal Organic Frameworks for an Optimal Adsorption of SO2: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches

For environmental protection from exposure to airborne toxic gases, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have drawn great attention as gas adsorbent options, with their advantages in chemical tailorability and large porosity. To develop a fiber-based gas filter that is effective against SO₂ gas, zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) was applied to polypropylene nonwoven by various methods. Among the tested methods, the sol-gel impregnation method showed the highest ZIF-8 loading efficiency. There existed an optimal loading of ZIF-8 for the maximum adsorption efficiency, and it was associated with the accessibility of gas molecules to the ZIF-8 pores and active sites. Dominant adsorption processes and mechanisms were investigated by fitting the theoretical sorption models to experimental data. The results demonstrate that the increased ZIF-8 loading to fibers, beyond a certain level, may hinder the diffusivity and increase the barrier effect, eventually decreasing the adsorption efficiency. This study is novel and significant in that a multifaceted approach, including experimental analysis, theoretical investigation, and computational modeling, was made for scrutinizing the intricate phenomena occurring in the gas sorption process. The results of this study provide the fundamental yet practical information on the manufacturing considerations for the optimal design of MOF-loaded fibrous adsorbents.

Pulsed field gradient NMR diffusion measurement in nanoporous materials

Labeling in diffusion measurements by pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR is based on the observation of the phase of nuclear spins acquired in a constant magnetic field with purposefully superimposed field gradients. This labeling does in no way affect microdynamics and provides information about the probability distribution of molecular displacements as a function of time. An introduction of the measuring principle is followed by a detailed description of the ranges of measurements and their limitation. Particular emphasis is given to an explanation of possible pitfalls in the measurements and the ways to circumvent them. Showcases presented for illustrating the wealth of information provided by PFG NMR include a survey on the various patterns of concentration dependence of intra-particle diffusion and examples of transport inhibition by additional transport resistances within the nanoporous particles and on their external surface. The latter information is attained by combination with the outcome of tracer exchange experiments, which are shown to become possible via a special formalism of PFG NMR data analysis. Further evidence provided by PFG NMR concerns diffusion enhancement in pore hierarchies, diffusion anisotropy and the impact of diffusion on chemical conversion in porous catalysts. A compilation of the specifics of PFG NMR and of the parallels with other measurement techniques concludes the paper.

Hierarchically structured porous materials: synthesis strategies and applications in energy storage

To address the growing energy demands of sustainable development, it is crucial to develop new materials that can improve the efficiency of energy storage systems. Hierarchically structured porous materials have shown their great potential for energy storage applications owing to their large accessible space, high surface area, low density, excellent accommodation capability with volume and thermal variation, variable chemical compositions and well controlled and interconnected hierarchical porosity at different length scales. Porous hierarchy benefits electron and ion transport, and mass diffusion and exchange. The electrochemical behavior of hierarchically structured porous materials varies with different pore parameters. Understanding their relationship can lead to the defined and accurate design of highly efficient hierarchically structured porous materials to enhance further their energy storage performance. In this review, we take the characteristic parameters of the hierarchical pores as the survey object to summarize the recent progress on hierarchically structured porous materials for energy storage. This is the first of this kind exclusively to survey the performance of hierarchically structured porous materials from different porous characteristics. For those who are not familiar with hierarchically structured porous materials, a series of very significant synthesis strategies of hierarchically structured porous materials are firstly and briefly reviewed. This will be beneficial for those who want to quickly obtain useful reference information about the synthesis strategies of new hierarchically structured porous materials to improve their performance in energy storage. The effect of different organizational, structural and geometric parameters of porous hierarchy on their electrochemical behavior is then deeply discussed. We outline the existing problems and development challenges of hierarchically structured porous materials that need to be addressed in renewable energy applications. We hope that this review can stimulate strong intuition into the design and application of new hierarchically structured porous materials in energy storage and other fields.

Crystalline Porous Organic Salts: From Micropore to Hierarchical Pores

Crystalline porous organic salts (CPOSs), as an emerging class of porous organic materials, combining the uniform microporous system and distinct polarized channels, have become a highly evolving field of important current interest. The unique ionic bond of a CPOS endows the confined channels with high polarity, making CPOSs distinct from other organic frameworks. CPOSs show many fascinating properties, such as proton conductivity and fast transport of polar molecules, which involve the interaction between highly polarized guest molecules and host frameworks. Substantial progress has been made in the synthesis and applications of CPOSs. Herein, an overview is provided to impart a comprehensive understanding of the link between the synthetic approaches and the resultant microporous structure, the structure-function correlation and the state-of-the-art applications of CPOSs. The enhanced mass-transport performance of hierarchically porous structure in combination with the intrinsic polarized channels of CPOSs is very promising to create new applications and contribute to a new research upsurge. The perspective to construct porous hierarchy within the crystalline porous organic salts is assessed and will open a new research avenue. In the conclusion, the current challenges on the synthesis, structural regulation, and applications of CPOSs and the future of hierarchically porous crystalline organic salts are discussed.

Diffusion in nanopores: inspecting the grounds

This paper provides a general overview of the phenomenon of guest diffusion in nanoporous materials. It introduces the different types of diffusion measurement that can be performed under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions in either single- or multicomponent systems. In the technological application of nanoporous materials for mass separation and catalytic conversion diffusion often has a significant impact on the overall rate of the process and is quite commonly rate controlling. Diffusion enhancement is therefore often a major goal in the manufacture of catalysts and adsorbents.

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.

Microscopic and Mesoscopic Dual Postsynthetic Modifications of Metal-Organic Frameworks

We report the dual postsynthetic modification (PSM) of a metal-organic framework (MOF) involving the microscopic conversion of C-H bonds into C-C bonds and the mesoscopic introduction of hierarchical porosity. MOF crystals underwent single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations during the electrophilic aromatic substitution of Co₂ (m-DOBDC) (m-DOBDC^4- =4,6-dioxo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylate) with alkyl halides and formaldehyde. The steric hindrance caused by the proximity of the introduced functional groups to the coordination bonds reduced bond stability and facilitated the transformation into hierarchically porous mesostructures by etching with in situ generated protons (hydroniums) and halides. The numerous defect sites in the mesostructural MOFs are potential water-sorption sites. However, since the introduced functional groups are close to the main adsorption sites, even methyl groups are able to considerably decrease water adsorption, whereas hydroxy groups increase adsorption at low vapor pressures.

Micron-Sized Zeolite Beta Single Crystals Featuring Intracrystal Interconnected Ordered Macro-Meso-Microporosity Displaying Superior Catalytic Performance

Zeolite Beta single crystals with intracrystalline hierarchical porosity at macro-, meso-, and micro-length scales can effectively overcome the diffusion limitations in the conversion of bulky molecules. However, the construction of large zeolite Beta single crystals with such porosity is a challenge. We report herein the synthesis of hierarchically ordered macro-mesoporous single-crystalline zeolite Beta (OMMS-Beta) with a rare micron-scale crystal size by an in situ bottom-up confined zeolite crystallization strategy. The fully interconnected intracrystalline macro-meso-microporous hierarchy and the micron-sized single-crystalline nature of OMMS-Beta lead to improved accessibility to active sites and outstanding (hydro)thermal stability. Higher catalytic performances in gas-phase and liquid-phase acid-catalyzed reactions involving bulky molecules are obtained compared to commercial Beta and nanosized Beta zeolites. The strategy has been extended to the synthesis of other zeolitic materials, including ZSM-5, TS-1, and SAPO-34.

Morphology-transport relationships for SBA-15 and KIT-6 ordered mesoporous silicas

Quantitative morphology-transport relationships are derived for ordered mesoporous silicas through direct numerical simulation of hindered diffusion in realistic geometrical models of the pore space obtained from physical reconstruction by electron tomography. We monitor accessible porosity and effective diffusion coefficients resulting from steric and hydrodynamic interactions between passive tracers and the pore space confinement as a function of λ = d_tracer/d_meso (ratio of tracer diameter to mean mesopore diameter) in SBA-15 (d_meso = 9.1 nm) and KIT-6 (d_meso = 10.5 nm) silica samples. For λ = 0, the pointlike tracers reproduce the true diffusive tortuosities. For 0 ≤λ < 0.5, the derived hindrance factor quantifies the extent to which diffusion of finite-size tracers through the materials is hindered compared with free diffusion in the bulk liquid. The hindrance factor connects the transport properties of the ordered silicas to their mesopore space morphologies and enables quantitative comparison with random mesoporous silicas. Key feature of the ordered silicas is a narrow, symmetric mesopore size distribution (∼10% relative standard deviation), which engenders a sharper decline of the accessible-porosity window with increasing λ than observed for random silicas with their wide, asymmetric mesopore size distributions. As support structures, ordered mesoporous silicas should offer benefits for applications where spatial confinement effects and molecular size-selectivity are of prime importance. On the other hand, random mesoporous silicas enable higher diffusivities for λ > 0.3, because the larger pores carry most of the diffusive flux and keep pathways open when smaller pores have closed off.