Application of Multinuclear MAS NMR for the in†situ Monitoring of Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zeolites.

In situ MAS NMR studies on the monitoring of hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites are reviewed. The first part of the review contains information on the experimental techniques used for the in situ NMR studies in static and MAS conditions. In the second part, the main capabilities of the in situ 1 H, 11 B, 13 C, 14 N, 19 F, 23 Na, 27 Al, 29 Si and 31 P MAS NMR for the elucidation of the mechanism of hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites are examined and the data on NMR lines identification are summarized. In the last part the main application areas of the techniques are considered and illustrated with examples taken from the mechanistic studies of zeolites A, X, MFI and BEA synthesis. A cross-reference index between the materials studied, the experimental approaches used, the mechanistic information obtained, and the corresponding literature sources is established.

Complex Pore Structure of Mesoporous Zeolites: Unambiguous TEM Imaging Using Platinum Tracking.

The article proposes a new way for visualization of mesopores and quantitative evaluation of the pore structure in zeolite crystals. The approach is based on platinum tracking inside the zeolite material after its incorporation from a gaseous precursor using an electron beam prior to preparing a TEM specimen by the focused ion beam technique. The pores in mesoporous silica and purely microporous zeolite Y were visualized in TEM images in a demonstration of the capabilities of the approach. Finally, platinum tracking was used for studying the pore structure of zeolite Y (CBV 720) containing mesopores both inside the crystal and those emerging at its surface, which were unambiguously distinguished from each other. The obtained sizes of the mesopores and the calculated material porosity are in good agreement with the results obtained by the low-temperature argon sorption isotherms method.

Mechanism of Zr Incorporation in the Course of Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zeolite BEA.

The mechanism of Zr-BEA hydrothermal synthesis in fluoride media has been investigated through the detailed characterization of samples obtained at different synthesis times by XRD, XRF, TGA, multinuclear solid-state NMR, FTIR, SEM, TEM with EDS, XAS, and nitrogen sorption. The synthetic procedure involved hydrothermal crystallization of the gel with the following composition: 1SiO2:0.54TEAOH:0.54HF:0.005ZrO2:5.6H2O. The formation of open and closed Lewis acid sites was monitored by FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO, while coordination of Zr was studied by XAS. The results show that the formation of Zr-BEA proceeds by two steps. In the first step, pure silica BEA is crystallized via a solid-solid hydrogel rearrangement mechanism. Zirconium species are occluded in Si-BEA crystals in the form of Zr-rich silicate particles. These particles do not provide for any appreciable Lewis acidity. In the second step, Zr incorporation into T positions of the zeolite structure takes place, leading to the formation of closed Zr sites, which are partially converted into open sites at longer synthesis times. It is demonstrated that the content of open and closed sites can be tuned by variation of the synthesis time.

Chronic Hepatitis Due to Gluten Enteropathy - a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old Caucasian woman presented with severe iron-deficient anemia and mild elevation of liver enzymes. Upper endoscopy was done in the context of evaluation of anemia, which revealed reduced duodenal folds and mosaic pattern of the mucosa, but also grade II esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy. Duodenal biopsy showed total villous atrophy, diffuse mainly lymphocytic infiltrate, presence of intra-epithelial lymphocytes. Serology test confirmed celiac disease by the typical pattern of high titer positive IgA and IgG antibodies to tissue transglutaminase. Liver biopsy was performed for staging and etiological evaluation, because laboratory screening ruled out common viral, metabolic and autoimmune liver disease. Liver morphology was consistent with chronic hepatitis without findings for extensive fibrosis. Our patient had poor dietary compliance, so we failed to established improvement of liver enzymes and resolution of anemia during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We would like to stress on the diverse clinical manifestations of celiac disease and the importance of serologic screening with antibodies to tissue transglutaminase in differential diagnosis of chronic liver disease.

Sulfur-33 Isotope Tracing of the Hydrodesulfurization Process: Insights into the Reaction Mechanism, Catalyst Characterization and Improvement.

The novel approach based on 33 S isotope tracing is proposed for the elucidation of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) mechanisms and characterization of molybdenum sulfide catalysts. The technique involves sulfidation of the catalyst with 33 S-isotope-labeled dihydrogen sulfide, followed by monitoring the fate of the 33 S isotope in the course of the hydrodesulfurization reaction by online mass spectrometry and characterization of the catalyst after the reaction by temperature-programmed oxidation with mass spectrometry (TPO-MS). The results point to different pathways of thiophene transformation over Co or Ni-promoted and unpromoted molybdenum sulfide catalysts, provide information on the role of promoter and give a key for the design of new efficient HDS catalysts.

Time-Resolved In†Situ MAS NMR Monitoring of the Nucleation and Growth of Zeolite BEA Catalysts under Hydrothermal Conditions.

Time-resolved 13 C, 23 Na, 27 Al, and 29 Si MAS NMR has been applied in situ for monitoring the hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite BEA. Isotopic labelling with 29 Si and 13 C isotopes has been used to follow the fate of siliceous species and structure directing agent ((13 CH3 -CH2 )4 NOH). Two mechanistic pathways, namely solution-mediated and solid-solid hydrogel rearrangement have been distinguished for two synthesis procedures studied. The mechanisms of structure-directing behavior of TEA+ cations in two reaction pathways have been elucidated. The results show that multinuclear MAS NMR can serve as a superior tool for monitoring hydrothermal synthesis of various solids including zeolites, zeotypes, mesoporous materials, metal-organic frameworks and so on and for the design of novel outstanding materials for different applications.

Micro-mesoporous materials obtained by zeolite recrystallization: synthesis, characterization and catalytic applications.

The review covers the recent developments in the field of novel micro-mesoporous materials obtained by zeolite recrystallization. The materials are classified into three distinctly different groups depending on the degree of recrystallization: (i) coated mesoporous zeolites (RZEO-1); (ii) micro-mesoporous nanocomposites (RZEO-2); and (iii) mesoporous materials with zeolitic fragments in the walls (RZEO-3). The first part of the review is focused on the analysis of the synthetic strategies leading to different types of recrystallized materials. In the second part, a comprehensive view on their structure, texture and porosity in connection with acidic and diffusion properties is given. The last part is devoted to the catalytic applications of recrystallized materials. The advantages and disadvantages with respect to pure micro- and mesoporous molecular sieves and other hierarchical zeolites are critically analyzed and the future opportunities and perspectives are discussed.

Direct Identification of Zeolite Beta Polymorphs by Solid-State 29Si Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Stacking disorder and polymorphism in zeolite and zeolite-like materials hinder their structural characterization. In this work, we propose an advanced approach based on applying "pure shift" solid-state 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the structural investigation of zeolitic materials containing intergrown polymorphs. The approach developed in the case study of zeolite beta allows for the resolution of 21 29Si signals, attributing them to non-equivalent T sites in polymorphs A, B, and C, reconstruction of individual 29Si magic angle spinning NMR spectra for each polymorph, and determination of the polymorph composition with higher accuracy than X-ray diffraction. The results reveal that two widely used synthetic routes for zeolite beta, alkaline and fluoride synthesis, lead to different polymorph compositions. These findings indicate that "pure shift" solid-state 29Si NMR can serve as a superior tool for the elucidation of polymorphism in zeolites.

Evaluation of Zeolite Acidity by 31P MAS NMR Spectroscopy of Adsorbed Phosphine Oxides: Quantitative or Not?

31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy of adsorbed alkyl-substituted phosphine oxides has witnessed tremendous progress during the last years and has become one of the most informative and sensitive methods of zeolite acidity investigation. However, quantitative evaluation of the number of sites is still a challenge. This study clarifies the main origin of errors occurring during NMR experiments, introduces the appropriate standards (both internal and external), and determines the relaxation parameters and the conditions for the acquisition and integration of spectra. As a result, a methodology for the quantitative measurement of the content of Brønsted and Lewis sites and the amount of internal and external silanol groups is established. The application of probe molecules of different sizes (namely, trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO), tri-n-butylphosphine oxide (TBPO), and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO)) is shown to be a good tool for distinguishing between the active sites inside the zeolite pores, mesopores, and on the outer crystal surface. The methodology proposed is verified on BEA zeolites different in composition, texture, and morphology.

Impact of in situ MAS NMR techniques to the understanding of the mechanisms of zeolite catalyzed reactions.

The in situ MAS NMR studies of the mechanisms of zeolite catalyzed reactions are reviewed. The first part of the critical review contains brief information on the different experimental approaches used for the in situ MAS NMR studies under batch and flow conditions. In the second part, a cross reference index between the reactions studied, the catalysts used, the mechanistic information obtained and the corresponding literature sources is established. Finally, in the last part the most widely studied areas are discussed in more detail. In particular, the impact of in situ MAS NMR to unravel the mechanisms of olefin, alcohol and alkanes transformations over zeolite catalysts is analyzed (232 references).

Engineering of zeolite BEA crystal size and morphology via seed-directed steam assisted conversion.

The mechanism of seeding of zeolite BEA via steam assisted conversion has been studied using BEA seeds with different composition. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Hg-porosimetry, X-ray fluorescence and TPD of ammonia, and evaluated in benzene alkylation with propene. The results show that variation of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio from 25 to 250 in BEA seeds changes the mechanism of seeding from "core-shell" to a "dissolution" mechanism, which can serve as a tool for engineering the morphological, textural and catalytic properties of BEA zeolites. Al-rich seeds (SiO2/Al2O3 = 25) do not dissolve during gel preparation and initiate dense oriented crystal growth on their surface resulting in the formation of large polycrystals (1-2 µm) with ordered densely intergrown nanocrystallites. In contrast, Si-rich seeds (SiO2/Al2O3 = 250) dissolve into tiny fragments, which serve as individual nuclei leading to formation of tiny isolated nanocrystallites aggregated into small hierarchical aggregates with high intercrystalline mesoporosity. The decrease of particle size and formation of intercrystalline mesoporosity in hierarchical aggregates improves the accessibility of acidic sites and facilitates the diffusion of reaction products, which leads to the significant improvement of catalytic activity and reduces the deactivation resulting in higher stability with time on stream in cumene synthesis from benzene and propylene.

Significant influence of Zn on activation of the C-H bonds of small alkanes by Brønsted acid sites of zeolite.

Herein, we analyze earlier obtained and new data about peculiarities of the H/D hydrogen exchange of small C(1)-n-C(4) alkanes on Zn-modified high-silica zeolites ZSM-5 and BEA in comparison with the exchange for corresponding purely acidic forms of these zeolites. This allows us to identify an evident promoting effect of Zn on the activation of C-H bonds of alkanes by zeolite Brønsted sites. The effect of Zn is demonstrated by observing the regioselectivity of the H/D exchange for propane and n-butane as well as by the increase in the rate and a decrease in the apparent activation energy of the exchange for all C(1)-n-C(4) alkanes upon modification of zeolites with Zn. The influence of Zn on alkane activation has been rationalized by dissociative adsorption of alkanes on Zn oxide species inside zeolite pores, which precedes the interaction of alkane with Brønsted acid sites.

Mechanistic study of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine transformation over Pt/SiO2 catalyst.

Catalytic oxidation of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) with molecular oxygen over Pt/SiO2 was studied by in situ FTIR spectroscopy coupled with online MS monitoring of the gas phase. An unusual two-step oxidation process was detected in experiments with the pulse UDMH feeding: initial UDMH oxidation over a fresh platinum surface quickly terminates due to the blockage of active sites; a time-separated second oxidation step corresponds to combustion of the surface residue. This residue consists of C[triple bond, length as m-dash]N nitrile groups formed via decomposition of the products of non-oxidative UDMH conversion, such as dimethylamine. The two-step oxidation picture is observed over a broad range of reaction temperatures and oxygen to UDMH ratios.

Direct Observation of Tin in Different T-Sites of Sn-BEA by One- and Two-Dimensional 119Sn MAS NMR Spectroscopy.

The direct and quantitative identification of active sites is crucial for the development of zeolite catalysts and their implementation in industry. Herein we report on the application of one-dimensional 119Sn direct polarization (DP) and rotational echo double-resonance (REDOR) and two-dimensional 119Sn magic-angle tuning (MAT) NMR spectroscopy for the identification of different Sn sites in fully dehydrated Sn-BEA zeolite. It is demonstrated that 119Sn magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR techniques, modified by Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) echo-train acquisition allow to resolve three groups of NMR signals, which can be attributed to three groups of nonequivalent T-sites based on the existing theoretical predictions: (I) T9, T4, and T3; (II) T2, T1, and T8; and (III) T7, T5, and T6. Results suggest that the sites attributed to group III are the most populated in Sn-BEA samples obtained via the fluoride route. The attribution of NMR lines to different T-sites in the structure of BEA allows for the establishment of structure-reactivity relationship and therefore for further improvement of Sn-BEA catalysts.

Ag-Promoted ZrBEA Zeolites Obtained by Post-Synthetic Modification for Conversion of Ethanol to Butadiene.

1,3-Butadiene was synthesized from ethanol using zirconium-containing zeolite beta (ZrBEA) catalysts doped with 1 wt % silver. The Zr was planted using post-synthesis modification by dealumination of the parent zeolite followed by treatment with ZrOCl2 in a DMSO solution. FTIR and NMR spectroscopy were used to investigate the planting process by preparing materials with different Si/Al ratios and crystal sizes. The results showed preferential grafting of Zr to the terminal silanols present on the external surface of the zeolite crystals instead of incorporation of Zr into silanol nests. The grafting yielded highly accessible Zr(OSi)3 OH open sites with high Lewis acidity, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO. These sites are shown to be extremely active for the conversion of ethanol to butadiene. Ag/ZrBEA catalysts prepared using the post-synthesis method showed significant advantages compared with Ag/ZrBEA catalysts synthesized using a conventional hydrothermal procedure. The best catalyst performance in terms of butadiene formation rate (3 µmol g(-1) s(-1) ) was observed over Ag/Zr(3.5)BEA(75) (containing 3.5 wt % Zr), which had the smallest crystal size and the highest content of Zr open sites of the prepared catalysts.

Application of (119)Sn CPMG MAS NMR for Fast Characterization of Sn Sites in Zeolites with Natural (119)Sn Isotope Abundance.

(119)Sn CPMG MAS NMR is demonstrated to be a fast and efficient method for characterization of Sn-sites in Sn-containing zeolites. Tuning of the CPMG echo-train sequence decreases the experimental time by a factor of 5-40 in the case of as-synthesized and hydrated Sn-BEA samples and by 3 orders of magnitude in the case of dehydrated Sn-BEA samples as compared to conventional methods. In the latter case, the reconstruction of the quantitative spectrum without the loss of sensitivity is shown to be possible. The method proposed allows obtaining (119)Sn MAS NMR spectra with improved resolution for Sn-BEA zeolites with natural (119)Sn isotope abundance using conventional MAS NMR equipment.

"Fishing" of heteropolyacids into carbonaceous seine via coking.

The carbon encapsulated tungstophosphoric acid was synthesized by the controlled coking during gas phase reaction of formaldehyde with isobutene. The as-made material showed unique stability toward leaching in the aqueous phase due to localization of HPA clusters inside the porous coke matrix with high activity in the esterification reaction.

Synthesis and immobilization of quaternary ammonium cations in acidic zeolites.

A general method for the synthesis of quaternary ammonium cations in acidic zeolites by a direct reaction of tertiary amines and alcohols is described.

Design of a metal-promoted oxide catalyst for the selective synthesis of butadiene from ethanol.

The synthesis of buta-1,3-diene from ethanol has been studied over metal-containing (M=Ag, Cu, Ni) oxide catalysts (MO(x)=MgO, ZrO2, Nb2O5, TiO2, Al2O3) supported on silica. Kinetic study of a wide range of ethanol conversions (2-90%) allowed the main reaction pathways leading to butadiene and byproducts to be determined. The key reaction steps of butadiene synthesis were found to involve ethanol dehydrogenation, acetaldehyde condensation, and the reduction of crotonaldehyde with ethanol into crotyl alcohol. Catalyst design included the selection of active components for each key reaction step and merging of these components into multifunctional catalysts and adjusting the catalyst functions to achieve the highest selectivity. The best catalytic performance was achieved over the Ag/ZrO2/SiO2 catalyst, which showed the highest selectivity towards butadiene (74 mol%).

(1)H and (13)C MAS NMR studies of light alkanes activation over MFI zeolite modified by Zn vapour.

The early stages of methane, ethane and propane conversion were studied by in situ (1)H and (13)C MAS NMR techniques over fully exchanged Zn(2+)/MFI catalyst obtained by the reaction with zinc vapour. The in situ techniques revealed strong interaction of alkanes with Zn(2+) cations evidenced by significant shift of the corresponding NMR lines. Besides that, the formation of methyl zinc, ethyl zinc and n-propyl zinc species along with bridging and silanol surface OH-groups was detected already at the ambient temperature. These results pointed to dissociative adsorption of alkanes over (ZO)-Zn(2+)-(OZ) and (ZO)-Zn(2+)-(OSi) active sites of the catalyst. The dissociative adsorption was shown to be a dead-end surface reaction in the case of methane starting reactant, while in the case of ethane and propane, it appeared to be responsible for the initiation of the catalytic cycle leading to alkenes and dihydrogen formation and regeneration of zinc containing catalytic sites.