Well-Defined Silanols in the Structure of the Calcined High-Silica Zeolite SSZ-70: New Understanding of a Successful Catalytic Material

Advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy and its applications in zeolite chemistry

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy (ssNMR) can provide details about the structure, host-guest/guest-guest interactions and dynamic behavior of materials at atomic length scales. A crucial use of ssNMR is for the characterization of zeolite catalysts that are extensively employed in industrial catalytic processes. This review aims to spotlight the recent advancements in ssNMR spectroscopy and its application to zeolite chemistry. We first review the current ssNMR methods and techniques that are relevant to characterize zeolite catalysts, including advanced multinuclear and multidimensional experiments, in situ NMR techniques and hyperpolarization methods. Of these, the methodology development on half-integer quadrupolar nuclei is emphasized, which represent about two-thirds of stable NMR-active nuclei and are widely present in catalytic materials. Subsequently, we introduce the recent progress in understanding zeolite chemistry with the aid of these ssNMR methods and techniques, with a specific focus on the investigation of zeolite framework structures, zeolite crystallization mechanisms, surface active/acidic sites, host-guest/guest-guest interactions, and catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Fluoride- and Seed-Free Synthesis of Pure-Silica Zeolite Adsorbent and Matrix Using OSDA-Mismatch Approach

The pure-silica zeolite plays a crucially important role in the gas separation of alkane/alkene, the low-k dielectric material, and the robust matrix for confining metal species during catalysis. However, the environmentally friendly synthesis of pure-silica zeolites is still challenging since (1) the toxic fluoride or dealuminum seeds are inevitably utilized through the hydrothermal synthesis and (2) it will also take a longer crystallization time. Herein, we present an efficient method called the OSDA-mismatch approach for the fluoride- and seed-free synthesis of pure-silica zeolites using Si-SOD (enriched 4-rings) as the sole silica source. This approach allows for the rapid and green synthesis of 15 pure-silica zeolites (CHA, *BEA, EUO, SFF, STF, -SVR, *-SVY, DOH, MTN, NON, *MRE, MEL, MFI, MTW, and *STO). Furthermore, distinct crystallization mechanisms of two significant pure-silica CHA- and *BEA-type zeolites (denoted as Si-CHA and Si-BEA) are investigated in detail by advanced characterization techniques such as FIB, 3D ED, 4D-STEM, HRTEM, Raman, and 29Si MAS NMR. More importantly, Si-CHA displays promising propane/propylene separation performance even better than the one synthesized in the presence of toxic HF. In addition, the incorporation of Zn species within Si-BEA fabricated by this approach also renders superior performance on propane dehydrogenation.

Intergrowth Zeolites, Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis

Microporous zeolites that can act as heterogeneous catalysts have continued to attract a great deal of academic and industrial interest, but current progress in their synthesis and application is restricted to single-phase zeolites, severely underestimating the potential of intergrowth frameworks. Compared with single-phase zeolites, intergrowth zeolites possess unique properties, such as different diffusion pathways and molecular confinement, or special crystalline pore environments for binding metal active sites. This review first focuses on the structural features and synthetic details of all the intergrowth zeolites, especially providing some insightful discussion of several potential frameworks. Subsequently, characterization methods for intergrowth zeolites are introduced, and highlighting fundamental features of these crystals. Then, the applications of intergrowth zeolites in several of the most active areas of catalysis are presented, including selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ammonia (NH3-SCR), methanol to olefins (MTO), petrochemicals and refining, fine chemicals production, and biomass conversion on Beta, and the relationship between structure and catalytic activity was profiled from the perspective of intergrowth grain boundary structure. Finally, the synthesis, characterization, and catalysis of intergrowth zeolites are summarized in a comprehensive discussion, and a brief outlook on the current challenges and future directions of intergrowth zeolites is indicated.

Pure Silica with Ordered Silanols for Propylene/Propane Adsorptive Separation Unraveled by Three-Dimensional Electron Diffraction

Adsorptive separation of propylene (C₃H₆) from propane (C₃H₈), which could deal with energy-intensive cryogenic distillation technologies, remains challenging due to their similar physiochemical properties. Herein, we present a pure silica zeolite with ordered silanols (OSs), whose crystallographic structure was unraveled by the advanced three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED), displaying the highly efficient separation of propylene from propane under ambient conditions. The 3D ED technique enables us to investigate its 8-ring pore opening transformation from the round one to the elliptical one during the removal of organic structure-directing agents. Such unique elliptical 8-ring pore openings can exclude larger-size propane and only adsorb propylene. Its C₃H₆/C₃H₈ separation performance is also confirmed by column breakthrough experiments, showing a high dynamic adsorption capacity of 53.36 cm³ g^-1 for C₃H₆ but negligible C₃H₈ under ambient conditions. The dynamic capacity for C₃H₆ is superior to that of the well-known pure silica DDR-type zeolite (31.07 cm³ g^-1). The density functional theory calculation demonstrates that the adsorbed propylene is distributed in the heart-shaped cavity and has a weak interaction with the OSs.

A fluoride-free siliceous STW-type zeolite synthesized using a designed organic structure-directing agent

A pure silica STW zeolite is synthesized with no impurities under a wide range of synthesis conditions with and without fluoride by using easily available 1-methyl-1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (MDBN) as a template. MDBN having an appropriate size and geometry fits well in the STW cage, leading to its high specificity in structure-directing formation of zeolite STW.

Cooperativity of silanol defect chemistry in zeolites

Deboronation treatment of zeolite B-SSZ-55 can generate vacancy defects consisting of four silanol groups (silanol nests). However, ¹H solid-state NMR spectroscopy indicates the prevalence of two silanol groups (silanol dyads) instead of four silanol groups. Such silanol dyads must be formed by the silanol condensation of two silanol groups at the silanol nests. Yet, the exact mechanism of this condensation and detailed structure of the silanol defect are not known. Here, the structure and formation mechanism of silanol dyads in the SSZ-55 zeolite have been investigated by both cluster and periodic density functional theory calculations. The calculated ¹H NMR chemical shifts agree with the experimental values, showing that the silanol dyads are indeed commonly present at the vacancies and the vacancy density plays a role in the relaxation of the zeolite framework. The nature (size) of the silanol clusters influences their acidity.

Direct TEM Observation of Vacancy-Mediated Heteroatom Incorporation into a Zeolite Framework: Towards Microscopic Design of Zeolite Catalysts

Incorporating hetero-metal-atom, e.g., titanium, into zeolite frameworks can enhance the catalytic activity and selectivity in oxidation reactions. However, the rational design of zeolites containing titanium at specific sites is difficult because the precise atomic structure during synthesis process remained unclear. Here, a titanosilicate with predictable titanium distribution was synthesized by mediating vacancies in a defective MSE-type zeolite precursor, based on a pre-designed synthetic route including modification of vacancies followed by titanium insertion, where electron microscopy (EM) plays a key role at each step resolving the atomic structure. Point defects including vacancies in the precursor and titanium incorporated into the vacancy-related positions have been directly observed. The results provide insights into the role of point defects in zeolites towards the rational synthesis of zeolites with desired microscopic arrangement of catalytically active sites.

Recent advances in solid-state NMR of zeolite catalysts

Zeolites are important inorganic crystalline microporous materials with a broad range of applications in the areas of catalysis, ion exchange, and adsorption/separations. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has proven to be a powerful tool in the study of zeolites and relevant catalytic reactions because of its advantage in providing atomic-level insights into molecular structure and dynamic behavior. In this review, we provide a brief discussion on the recent progress in exploring framework structures, catalytically active sites and intermolecular interactions in zeolites and metal-containing ones by using various solid-state NMR methods. Advances in the mechanistic understanding of zeolite-catalysed reactions including methanol and ethanol conversions are presented as selected examples. Finally, we discuss the prospect of the solid-state NMR technique for its application in zeolites.

Structure Elucidation and Computationally Guided Synthesis of SSZ‐43: A One‐Dimensional 12‐Ring Zeolite with Unique Sinusoidal Channels

The structure of zeolite SSZ‐43 was determined by 3D electron diffraction, synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The SSZ‐43 framework forms one‐dimensional, sinusoidal 12‐ring channels from 5⁴6¹butterfly units commonly found in other zeolites, but with unique 6.5×6.5 Å apertures and 12‐ring 6.5×8.9 Å windows perpendicular to the channels. SSZ‐43 crystals are intergrowths of two polytypes: ≈90 % orthorhombic polytype A with ABAB stacking of the 12‐rings, and ≈10 % monoclinic polytype B with ABCABC stacking. Molecular modeling performed on the idealized Si‐SSZ‐43 structure along with empirical relationships for zeolite selectivity in boron‐ and aluminum‐containing synthesis gels were used in a combined approach to design new di‐quaternary ammonium organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs). Experimental trials demonstrated that the new OSDAs produced SSZ‐43 over a broader range of compositions than previous mono‐quaternary OSDAs.

Olefin-Surface Interactions: A Key Activity Parameter in Silica-Supported Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

Molecularly defined and classical heterogeneous Mo-based metathesis catalysts are shown to display distinct and unexpected reactivity patterns for the metathesis of long-chain α-olefins at low temperatures (<100 °C). Catalysts based on supported Mo oxo species, whether prepared via wet impregnation or surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC), exhibit strong activity dependencies on the α-olefin chain length, with slower reaction rates for longer substrate chain lengths. In contrast, molecular and supported Mo alkylidenes are highly active and do not display such dramatic dependence on the chain length. State-of-the-art two-dimensional (2D) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses of postmetathesis catalysts, complemented by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics calculations, evidence that the activity decrease observed for supported Mo oxo catalysts relates to the strong adsorption of internal olefin metathesis products because of interactions with surface Si-OH groups. Overall, this study shows that in addition to the nature and the number of active sites, the metathesis rates and the overall catalytic performance depend on product desorption, even in the liquid phase with nonpolar substrates. This study further highlights the role of the support and active site composition and dynamics on activity as well as the need for considering adsorption in catalyst design.

Silanol defect engineering and healing in zeolites: opportunities to fine-tune their properties and performances

Zeolites have been game-changing materials in oil refining and petrochemistry over the last 60 years and have the potential to play the same role in the emerging processes of the energy and environmental transition. Although zeolites are crystalline inorganic solids, their structures are not perfect and the presence of defect sites - mainly Brønsted acid sites and silanols - influences their thermal and chemical resistance as well as their performances in key areas such as catalysis, gas and liquid separations and ion-exchange. In this paper, we review the type of defects in zeolites and the characterization techniques used for their identification and quantification with the focus on diffraction, spectroscopic and modeling approaches. More specifically, throughout the review, we will focus on silanol (Si-OH) defects located within the micropore structure and/or on the external surface of zeolites. The main approaches applied to engineer and heal defects and their consequences on the properties and applications of zeolites in catalysis and separation processes are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of silanol defect engineering in tuning the properties of zeolites to meet the requirements for specific applications are presented.

The Role of Organic and Inorganic Structure-Directing Agents in Selective Al Substitution of Zeolite

Organic and inorganic structure-directing agents (SDAs) impact Al distributions in zeolite, but the insights into how SDAs manipulate Al distribution have not been elucidated yet. Herein, the roles of different SDAs such as cyclohexylamine (CHA), hexamethylenimine (HMI), and Na⁺ in selective Al substitution of MCM-49 zeolite are investigated comprehensively by multinuclear solid-state NMR. The results demonstrate that MCM-49 synthesized with HMI shows relatively more T₆ and T₇ Al, while more T₂ Al is observed using CHA. The formation of T₂ Al in both MCM-49(HMI) and MCM-49(CHA) is derived from Na⁺, while protonated HMIs show bias in incorporation of T₆ and T₇ Al. Most HMIs are occluded in protonated status, and about half of CHAs are occluded in nonprotonated status. The close spatial proximity between nonprotonated CHAs and Na⁺ synergistically promotes the formation of zeolite structure, leading to more Na⁺ ions occluded in the zeolite channel with preferential T₂ Al substitution.

Indirectly Detected DNP-Enhanced 17 O NMR Spectroscopy: Observation of Non-Protonated Near-Surface Oxygen at Naturally Abundant Silica and Silica-Alumina

Recent studies have shown that dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can be used to detect ¹⁷ O solid-state NMR spectra of naturally abundant samples within a reasonable experimental time. Observations using indirect DNP, which relies on ¹ H mediation in transferring electron hyperpolarization to ¹⁷ O, are currently limited mostly to hydroxyls. Direct DNP schemes can hyperpolarize non-protonated oxygen near the radicals; however, they generally offer much lower signal enhancements. In this study, we demonstrate the detection of signals from non-protonated ¹⁷ O in materials containing silicon. The sensitivity boost that made the experiment possible originates from three sources: indirect DNP excitation of ²⁹ Si via protons, indirect detection of ¹⁷ O through ²⁹ Si nuclei using two-dimensional ²⁹ Si{¹⁷ O} D-HMQC, and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill refocusing of ²⁹ Si magnetization during acquisition. This ²⁹ Si-detected scheme enabled, for the first time, 2D ¹⁷ O-²⁹ Si heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy in mesoporous silica and silica-alumina surfaces at natural abundance. In contrast to the silanols showing motion-averaged ¹⁷ O signals, the framework oxygens exhibit unperturbed powder patterns as unambiguous fingerprints of surface sites. Along with hydroxyl oxygens, detection of these moieties will help in gaining more atomistic-scale insights into surface chemistry.

Synthesis and Structure of a 22 × 12 × 12 Extra-Large Pore Zeolite ITQ-56 Determined by 3D Electron Diffraction

A multidimensional extra-large pore germanosilicate, denoted ITQ-56, has been synthesized by using modified memantine as an organic structure-directing agent. ITQ-56 crystallizes as plate-like nanocrystals. Its structure was determined by 3D electron diffraction/MicroED. The structure of ITQ-56 contains extra-large 22-ring channels intersecting with straight 12-ring channels. ITQ-56 is the first zeolite with 22-ring pores, which is a result of ordered vacancies of double 4-ring (d4r) units in a fully connected zeolite framework. The framework density is as low as 12.4 T atoms/1000 Å3. The discovery of the ITQ-56 structure not only fills the missing member of extra-large pore zeolite with 22-ring channels but also creates a new approach of making extra-large pore zeolites by introducing ordered vacancies in zeolite frameworks.

Characterization of a Molecule Partially Confined at the Pore Mouth of a Zeotype

We investigate the interaction between a molecule and a pore mouth-a critical step in adsorption processes-by characterizing the conformation of a macrocyclic calix[4]arene-Ti^IV complex, which is grafted on the external surface of a zeotype (*-SVY). X-ray absorption and ¹³ C{¹ H} CPMAS NMR spectroscopies independently detect a unique conformation of this complex when it is grafted at crystallographically equivalent locations that lie at the interface of 7 Å hemispherical microporous cavities and the external surface. Electronic structure calculations support the presence of this unique conformation, and suggest that it is brought about by a specific orientation of the macrocycle that maximizes non-covalent interactions between calix[4]arene upper-rim tert-butyl substituents and the microporous-cavity walls. Our comparative study provides a rare "snapshot" of a molecule partially confined at a pore mouth, an essential intermediate for adsorption into micropores, and demonstrates how surrounding environment controls this confinement in a sensitive fashion.

Rational Manipulation of Stacking Arrangements in Three-Dimensional Zeolites Built from Two-Dimensional Zeolitic Nanosheets

Unit-cell-thin zeolitic nanosheets have emerged as fascinating materials for catalysis and separation. The controllability of nanosheet stacking is extremely challenging in the chemistry of two-dimensional zeolitic materials. To date, the organization of zeolitic nanosheets in hydrothermal synthesis has been limited by the lack of tunable control over the guest-host interactions between organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs) and zeolitic nanosheets. A direct synthetic methodology is reported that enables systematic manipulation of the aluminosilicate MWW-type nanosheet stacking. Variable control of guest-host interactions is rationally achieved by synergistically altering the charge density of OSDAs and synthetic silica-to-alumina composition. These finely controlled interactions allow successful preparation of a series of three-dimensional (3D) zeolites, with MWW-layer stacking in wide ranges from variably disorder to fully ordered, leading to tunable catalytic activity in the cracking reaction. These results highlight unprecedented opportunities to modulate zeolitic nanosheets arrangement in 3D zeolites whose structure can be tailored for catalysis and separation.

Recent Advances of Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy for Microporous Materials

Microporous materials have attracted a rapid growth of research interest in materials science and the multidisciplinary area because of their wide applications in catalysis, separation, ion exchange, gas storage, drug release, and sensing. A fundamental understanding of their diverse structures and properties is crucial for rational design of high-performance materials and technological applications in industry. Solid-state NMR (SSNMR), capable of providing atomic-level information on both structure and dynamics, is a powerful tool in the scientific exploration of solid materials. Here, advanced SSNMR instruments and methods for characterization of microporous materials are briefly described. The recent progress of the application of SSNMR for the investigation of microporous materials including zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, porous aromatic frameworks, and layered materials is discussed with representative work. The versatile SSNMR techniques provide detailed information on the local structure, dynamics, and chemical processes in the confined space of porous materials. The challenges and prospects in SSNMR study of microporous and related materials are discussed.

The Atomic-Level Structure of Cementitious Calcium Aluminate Silicate Hydrate

Despite use of blended cements containing significant amounts of aluminum for over 30 years, the structural nature of aluminum in the main hydration product, calcium aluminate silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H), remains elusive. Using first-principles calculations, we predict that aluminum is incorporated into the bridging sites of the linear silicate chains and that at high Ca:Si and H₂O ratios, the stable coordination number of aluminum is six. Specifically, we predict that silicate-bridging [AlO₂(OH)₄]^5- complexes are favored, stabilized by hydroxyl ligands and charge balancing calcium ions in the interlayer space. This structure is then confirmed experimentally by one- and two-dimensional dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si solid-state NMR experiments. We notably assign a narrow ²⁷Al NMR signal at 5 ppm to the silicate-bridging [AlO₂(OH)₄]^5- sites and show that this signal correlates to ²⁹Si NMR signals from silicates in C-A-S-H, conflicting with its conventional assignment to a "third aluminate hydrate" (TAH) phase. We therefore conclude that TAH does not exist. This resolves a long-standing dilemma about the location and nature of the six-fold-coordinated aluminum observed by ²⁷Al NMR in C-A-S-H samples.

Structure Solution and Defect Analysis of an Extra-Large Pore Zeolite with Topology by Electron Microscopy

Defects within zeolites are crucially important for explaining their physicochemical behavior. The UTL zeolite, with a pillared layer structure, has been widely used in zeolite crystal engineering to assemble new structures from its layered structural units, but a fundamental understanding of its defect is lacking. Here, we report a newly synthesized UTL framework zeolite, UTL-DBU, with a commercially available superbase 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as a template. Its structure was determined by a combination of three-dimensional electron diffraction tomography and high-resolution (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. Using transmission electron microscopy, two types of defects, stacking disorder and edge dislocation-like planar defect, were discovered. On the basis of the analysis of the electron diffraction and imaging, the layer stacking sequence together with the structural and mathematical models of the microtwinning was successfully built up. Unraveling these defects will provide new insights into the rational design of targeted zeolites utilizing UTL.

A Stable Silanol Triad in the Zeolite Catalyst SSZ-70

Nests of three silanol groups are located on the internal pore surface of calcined zeolite SSZ‐70. 2D ¹H double/triple‐quantum single‐quantum correlation NMR experiments enable a rigorous identification of these silanol triad nests. They reveal a close proximity to the structure directing agent (SDA), that is, N,N′‐diisobutyl imidazolium cations, in the as‐synthesized material, in which the defects are negatively charged (silanol dyad plus one charged SiO⁻ siloxy group) for charge balance. It is inferred that ring strain prevents the condensation of silanol groups upon calcination and removal of the SDA to avoid energetically unfavorable three‐rings. In contrast, tetrad nests, created by boron extraction from B‐SSZ‐70 at various other locations, are not stable and silanol condensation occurs. Infrared spectroscopic investigations of adsorbed pyridine indicate an enhanced acidity of the silanol triads, suggesting important implications in catalysis.

Recent developments in MAS DNP-NMR of materials

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the characterization of the atomic-level structure and dynamics of materials. Nevertheless, the use of this technique is often limited by its lack of sensitivity, which can prevent the observation of surfaces, defects or insensitive isotopes. Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) has been shown to improve by one to three orders of magnitude the sensitivity of NMR experiments on materials under Magic-Angle Spinning (MAS), at static magnetic field B₀ ≥ 5 T, conditions allowing for the acquisition of high-resolution spectra. The field of DNP-NMR spectroscopy of materials has undergone a rapid development in the last ten years, spurred notably by the availability of commercial DNP-NMR systems. We provide here an in-depth overview of MAS DNP-NMR studies of materials at high B₀ field. After a historical perspective of DNP of materials, we describe the DNP transfers under MAS, the transport of polarization by spin diffusion and the various contributions to the overall sensitivity of DNP-NMR experiments. We discuss the design of tailored polarizing agents and the sample preparation in the case of materials. We present the DNP-NMR hardware and the influence of key experimental parameters, such as microwave power, magnetic field, temperature and MAS frequency. We give an overview of the isotopes that have been detected by this technique, and the NMR methods that have been combined with DNP. Finally, we show how MAS DNP-NMR has been applied to gain new insights into the structure of organic, hybrid and inorganic materials with applications in fields, such as health, energy, catalysis, optoelectronics etc.

Improved sensitivity and quantification for 29Si NMR experiments on solids using UDEFT (Uniform Driven Equilibrium Fourier Transform)

We demonstrate the possibility to use UDEFT (Uniform Driven Equilibrium Fourier Transform) technique in order to improve the sensitivity and the quantification of one-dimensional ²⁹Si NMR experiments under magic-angle spinning (MAS). We derive an analytical expression of the signal-to-noise ratios of UDEFT and single-pulse (SP) experiments subsuming the contributions of transient and steady-state regimes. Using numerical spin dynamics simulations and experiments on ²⁹Si-enriched amorphous silica and borosilicate glass, we show that 59₁₈₀298₀59₁₈₀ refocusing composite π-pulse and the adiabatic inversion using tanh/tan modulation improve the robustness of UDEFT technique to rf-inhomogeneity, offset, and chemical shift anisotropy. These pulses combined with a two-step phase cycle limit the pulse imperfections and the artifacts produced by stimulated echoes. The sensitivity of SP, UDEFT and CPMG (Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill) techniques are experimentally compared on functionalized and non-functionalized mesoporous silica. Furthermore, experiments on a flame retardant material prove that UDEFT technique provides a better quantification of ²⁹Si sites with higher sensitivity than SP method.

Dynamic Reorganization and Confinement of TiIV Active Sites Controls Olefin Epoxidation Catalysis on Two-Dimensional Zeotypes

The effect of dynamic reorganization and confinement of isolated Ti^IV catalytic centers supported on silicates is investigated for olefin epoxidation. Active sites consist of grafted single-site calix[4]arene-Ti^IV centers or their calcined counterparts. Their location is synthetically controlled to be either unconfined at terminal T-atom positions (denoted as type-(i)) or within confining 12-MR pockets (denoted as type-(ii); diameter ∼7 Å, volume ∼185 ų) composed of hemispherical cavities on the external surface of zeotypes with *-SVY topology. Electronic structure calculations (density functional theory) indicate that active sites consist of cooperative assemblies of Ti^IV centers and silanols. When active sites are located at unconfined type-(i) environments, the rate constants for cyclohexene epoxidation (323 K, 0.05 mM Ti^IV, 160 mM cyclohexene, 24 mM tert-butyl hydroperoxide) are 9 ± 2 M^-2 s^-1; whereas within confining type-(ii) 12-MR pockets, there is a ∼5-fold enhancement to 48 ± 8 M^-2 s^-1. When a mixture of both environments is initially present in the catalyst resting state, the rate constants reflect confining environments exclusively (40 ± 11 M^-2 s^-1), indicating that dynamic reorganization processes lead to the preferential location of active sites within 12-MR pockets. While activation enthalpies are Δ H^‡_app = 43 ± 1 kJ mol^-1 irrespective of active site location, confining environments exhibit diminished entropic barriers (Δ S^‡_app = -68 J mol^-1 K^-1 for unconfined type-(i) vs -56 J mol^-1 K^-1 for confining type-(ii)), indicating that confinement leads to more facile association of reactants at active sites to form transition state structures (volume ∼ 225 ų). These results open new opportunities for controlling reactivity on surfaces through partial confinement on shallow external-surface pockets, which are accessible to molecules that are too bulky to benefit from traditional confinement within micropores.

Toward a New Era of Designed Synthesis of Nanoporous Zeolitic Materials

Due to their nanoporous framework structures, zeolites have been widely used as catalysts, adsorbents, and ion exchangers in many industrial fields. Discovering zeolitic materials with new structures and desired functions is one of the most important tasks in the zeolite community. Traditional zeolite discovery relies primarily on low-efficiency trial-and-error processes. So far, many computational and experimental efforts have been devoted to the designed synthesis of zeolitic materials, representing a promising highway toward function-led discovery of nanoporous materials. In particular, the design of structure-directing agents, the design of target zeolites via structure enumeration, and the reorganization of disassembled building layers have led to the discovery of dozens of unprecedented zeolitic structures in the past 5 years. In this Perspective, we briefly discuss these advances and describe the research efforts that are needed in the coming era of function-led zeolite discovery.

Transmission electron microscopy as an important tool for characterization of zeolite structures

This review presents various TEM techniques including electron diffraction, high-resolution TEM and scanning TEM imaging, and electron tomography and their applications for structure characterization of zeolite materials.

SSZ-70 borosilicate delamination without sonication: effect of framework topology on olefin epoxidation catalysis

Delamination of layered zeolite precursor B-SSZ-70 succeeds in an aqueous solution of Zn(NO₃)₂ and Bu₄NF without need for sonication.