Synthesis and catalytic performance of hierarchically structured MOR zeolites by a dual-functional templating approach

Selective catalytic oxidation of DMF over Cu-Ce/H-MOR by modulating the surface active sites

Selective catalytic oxidation of the hazardous DMF exhaust gas presents a significant challenge in balancing oxidation activity and products selectivity (CO, NOx, N2, etc.). It is found that Cu/H-MOR demonstrates superior performance for DMF oxidation compared to CuO on other supports (γ-Al2O3, HY, ZSM-5) in terms of product selectivity and stability. The geometric and electronic structures of CuO active sites in Cu/H-MOR have been regulated by CeO2 promoter, leading to an increase in the ratio of active CuO (highly dispersed CuO and Cu+ specie). As a result, the oxidation activity and stability of the Cu/H-MOR catalyst were enhanced for DMF selective catalytic oxidation. However, excessive CuO or CeO2 content led to decreased N2 selectivity due to over-high oxidation activity. It is also revealed that Ce3+ species, active CuO species, and surface acid sites play a critical role in internal selective catalytic reduction reaction during DMF oxidation. The 10Cu-Ce/H-MOR (1/4) catalyst exhibited both high oxidation activity and internal selective catalytic reduction activity due to its abundance of active CuO specie as well as Ce3+ species and surface acid sites. Consequently, the 10Cu-Ce/H-MOR (1/4) catalyst demonstrated the widest temperature window for DMF oxidation with high N2 selectivity. These findings emphasize the importance of surface active sites modification for DMF selective catalytic oxidation.

Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Zeolite Nanosheets Applied to the Catalytic Cracking of a Waste Cooking Oil Model Compound to Produce Light Olefins

Hierarchical zeolites can provide multidimensional spatial networks and, therefore, have significant potential as catalysts for the cracking of biomass to generate light olefins. The present work synthesized the diquaternary ammonium-type surfactant [C18H37-N+(CH3)2-(CH2)6-N+(CH3)2-C6H13]Br2, incorporating hydrophobic 18-carbon alkyl groups for usage as a structure-directing agent. This compound was subsequently used to prepare nanosheets of a hierarchical ZSM-5 two-dimensional zeolite (HNZSM-5) through a one-pot hydrothermal method. The crystal phase, morphology, and hierarchical structure of the HNZSM-5 were analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption. When applied to the catalytic cracking of a waste cooking oil model compound, the HNZSM-5 exhibited superior activity and stability compared with a conventional ZSM-5. This performance was attributed to the more accessible acid sites and unique lamellar structure of the former material. The HNZSM-5 also outlasted the conventional zeolite, showing deactivation after 45 h of reaction compared with 20 h, indicating exceptional stability and excellent resistance to coking.

Synthesis and characterization of a single phase zeolite A using coal fly ash

Zeolitization of coal fly ash (CFA) provides a potential alternative for creating high-added-value products from this hazardous solid waste. In this work, a single phase zeolite A with high crystallinity was successfully synthesized from CFA via the alkali fusion hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, N₂ physisorption, and solid-state MAS NMR spectra were applied to characterize as-synthesized zeolites. Results indicated that the type and purity of zeolite were closely related to the synthesis conditions and parameters. A well-defined cubic shape of zeolite A with a specific surface area of 43.7 m² g⁻¹ was obtained at a low temperature of 75 °C during hydrothermal treatment for 18 h. The ammonium cation exchange capacity (CEC) test showed an impressive value of 232.2 mmol 100 g⁻¹ over prepared zeolite A, which was about 22 times that of the original CFA and close to commercial zeolite A. These results pave the way for the exploitation and utilization of the CFA.

A single phase zeolite A with high CEC and crystallinity was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at low temperature.