Hierarchical zeolites: enhanced utilisation of microporous crystals in catalysis by advances in materials design.

The introduction of synthetic zeolites has led to a paradigm shift in catalysis, separations, and adsorption processes, due to their unique properties such as crystallinity, high-surface area, acidity, ion-exchange capacity, and shape-selective character. However, the sole presence of micropores in these materials often imposes intracrystalline diffusion limitations, rendering low utilisation of the zeolite active volume in catalysed reactions. This critical review examines recent advances in the rapidly evolving area of zeolites with improved accessibility and molecular transport.

Visualizing the crystal structure and locating the catalytic activity of micro- and mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite crystals by using in situ optical and fluorescence microscopy.

A combination of optical and fluorescence microscopy was used to study the morphology of micro- and mesoporous H-ZSM-5 zeolite crystals (17 x 4 x 4 microm) and to evaluate, in a spatially resolved manner, the effect of mesoporosity, introduced via desilication, on catalytic performance. For this purpose, the oligomerization of various styrene molecules was used as a model reaction, in which the carbocation intermediates formed in the zeolite pores act as reporter molecules. In situ confocal fluorescence measurements after the template removal process showed that the crystals generally consist of three different subunits that have pyramidal boundaries with each other.

Single-template synthesis of zeolite ZSM-5 composites with tunable mesoporosity.

Hierarchically structured composites (TUD-C) with ZSM-5 crystals embedded in a well-connected mesoporous matrix were synthesized by using only one organic templating/scaffolding molecule (TPAOH).

In situ monitoring of desilication of MFI-type zeolites in alkaline medium.

In situ pH and Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) infrared techniques have been successfully applied in order to gain insights into the dissolution process connected to mesopore formation occurring upon alkaline treatment of ZSM-5 zeolites. Online pH measurements reveal a similar consumption of OH(-) ions in the initial stage of the reaction independent of the Si/Al ratio of the zeolite. In view of the greatly different mesoporosity development, the extraction of polymeric silica entities is anticipated, its structure depending on the framework Si/Al ratio.

Direct demonstration of enhanced diffusion in mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite obtained via controlled desilication.

A 2 orders of magnitude gas transport improvement in a medium pore ZSM-5 zeolite has been achieved upon introduction of intracrystalline mesoporosity in gradient-free crystals by desilication post-treatment in alkaline medium.

Alkaline treatment of iron-containing MFI zeolites. Influence on mesoporosity development and iron speciation.

The effects of alkaline treatment on the mesoporosity development and iron speciation in Fe-MFI zeolites have been investigated. To this end, a variety of samples derived from different synthetic routes and having distinct Si/Al ratios and Fe content were treated in NaOH solutions and characterized by N2 adsorption, SEM, TEM, UV/vis spectroscopy, and EPR. The alkaline treatment induces a significant intracrystalline mesoporosity development by framework silicon extraction and promotes disintegration of oligomeric iron species.

Creation of hollow zeolite architectures by controlled desilication of Al-zoned ZSM-5 crystals.

Hollow zeolite architectures on different length scales have been obtained upon controlled desilication of Al-zoned ZSM-5 zeolites in alkaline medium. The hollow ZSM-5 crystals possess a functional Al-rich exterior and a tunable internal porosity and accessibility.

Adsorption of butane isomers and SF6 on Kureha activated carbon: 1. Equilibrium.

Adsorption equilibria of butane isomers and SF6 on Kureha activated carbon were investigated using the volumetric method and the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) technique. The isotherm data of the butane isomers measured by the TEOM technique are in good agreement with those determined by the volumetric method. Single-component adsorption isotherms are reported at temperatures in the range from 298 to 393 K and at pressures up to 120 kPa.

Mechanism of hierarchical porosity development in MFI zeolites by desilication: the role of aluminium as a pore-directing agent.

The role of the concentration and the nature of aluminium in the creation of hierarchical porosity in both commercial and synthesized MFI zeolites have been investigated through controlled mesoporosity development by desilication in alkaline medium. Framework aluminium controls the process of framework silicon extraction and makes desilication selective towards intracrystalline mesopore formation. An optimal molar Si/Al ratio in the range 25-50 has been identified; this leads to an optimal mesoporosity centred around 10 nm and mesopore surface areas of up to 235 m(2) g(-1) while preserving the intrinsic crystalline and acidic properties.

Aldol condensations over reconstructed Mg-Al hydrotalcites: structure-activity relationships related to the rehydration method.

Two different rehydration procedures in the liquid or gas phase have been applied to reconstruct mixed oxides derived from calcined hydrotalcite-like materials to be used as catalysts for aldol condensation reactions. The as-synthesized hydrotalcite, its decomposition product, as well as the reconstructed solids upon rehydration were characterized by XRD, N(2) adsorption, He pycnometry, FTIR, SEM, TEM, (27)Al MAS-NMR and CO(2)-TPD (TPD=temperature-programmed desorption). Compared to the Mg-Al mixed oxide rehydrated in the gas phase (HT-rg), that rehydrated in the liquid phase (HT-rl) exhibits a superior catalytic performance with respect to the aldol condensation of citral with ketones to yield pseudoionones and in the self-aldolization of acetone.