Silicalite-1 zeolite acidification by zinc modification and its catalytic properties for isobutane conversion.

A series of Zn-modified Silicalite-1 (S-1) zeolites (Zn /S-1) were prepared by the wetness-impregnation method and applied in the catalytic conversion of isobutane. The structure and location of Zn species in Zn /S-1 were investigated using UV-Vis and N physical adsorption. The acidity and origin of the acid sites in Zn /S-1 were studied by NH-temperature programmed desorption and Fourier-transform infrared analysis.