Combined Theoretical and FTIR Spectroscopic Studies on Hydrogen Adsorption on the Zeolites Na−FER and K−FER

A Theoretical Investigation of Cu+, Ni2+ and Co2+-exchanged Zeolites for Hydrogen Storage

This study investigates the H 2 adsorption on Cu + , Ni 2+ and Co 2+ -exchanged SSZ-13 (CHA) and SSZ-39 (AEI) using periodic DFT computations. Most stable Cu + position was found to be the 6-membered-ring window for both zeolites. Similarly, for investigated Ni 2+ and Co 2+ loadings on 6-membered-ring windows, the third nearest neighbor Al positions, i.e., Al-O-Si-O-Si-O-Al coordination, was found to be the most stable position. H 2 adsorption was investigated for all the Cu + , Ni 2+ and Co 2+ centers. AEI and CHA resulted in similar H 2 -Cu interactions for the Al and B substituted structures. H 2 adsorption on Cu + located in the 8-membered-ring gave the highest adsorption energy for both frameworks. Replacing Al with B in the framework increased the electron back donation from Cu + (3d) orbitals to H 2 antibonding orbital (s H2 * ). The H 2 adsorption energies on the Ni 2+ and Co 2+ -exchanged zeolites were found to be between -15 and -44 kJ/mol. Higher energy values were observed on the AEI framework, especially when two Al atoms have the Al-O-Si-O-Al configuration. Lesser interaction of the d-orbitals in the case of the Co 2+ and Ni 2+ cations resulted in heat of H 2 adsorption close to optimum values required for H 2 storage on porous materials.

Probing zeolites by vibrational spectroscopies

This review addresses the most relevant aspects of vibrational spectroscopies (IR, Raman and INS) applied to zeolites and zeotype materials. Surface Brønsted and Lewis acidity and surface basicity are treated in detail. The role of probe molecules and the relevance of tuning both the proton affinity and the steric hindrance of the probe to fully understand and map the complex site population present inside microporous materials are critically discussed. A detailed description of the methods needed to precisely determine the IR absorption coefficients is given, making IR a quantitative technique. The thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption process that can be extracted from a variable-temperature IR study are described. Finally, cutting-edge space- and time-resolved experiments are reviewed. All aspects are discussed by reporting relevant examples. When available, the theoretical literature related to the reviewed experimental results is reported to support the interpretation of the vibrational spectra on an atomic level.

Attaching molecular hydrogen to metal cations: perspectives from gas-phase infrared spectroscopy

In this perspective article we describe recent infrared spectroscopic investigations of mass-selected M(+)-H(2) and M(+)-D(2) complexes in the gas-phase, with targets that include Li(+)-H(2), B(+)-H(2), Na(+)-H(2), Mg(+)-H(2), Al(+)-H(2), Cr(+)-D(2), Mn(+)-H(2), Zn(+)-D(2) and Ag(+)-H(2). Interactions between molecular hydrogen and metal cations play a key role in several contexts, including in the storage of molecular hydrogen in zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, and doped carbon nanostructures. Arguably, the clearest view of the interaction between dihydrogen and a metal cation can be obtained by probing M(+)-H(2) complexes in the gas phase, free from the complicating influences of solvents or substrates. Infrared spectra of the complexes in the H-H and D-D stretch regions are obtained by monitoring M(+) photofragments as the excitation wavelength is scanned. The spectra, which feature full rotational resolution, confirm that the M(+)-H(2) complexes share a common T-shaped equilibrium structure, consisting essentially of a perturbed H(2) molecule attached to the metal cation, but that the structural and vibrational parameters vary over a considerable range, depending on the size and electronic structure of the metal cation. Correlations are established between intermolecular bond lengths, dissociation energies, and frequency shifts of the H-H stretch vibrational mode. Ultimately, the M(+)-H(2) and M(+)-D(2) infrared spectra provide a comprehensive set of benchmarks for modelling and understanding the M(+)···H(2) interaction.

Probing the surfaces of heterogeneous catalysts by in situ IR spectroscopy

This critical review describes the reactivity of heterogeneous catalysts from the point of view of four simple, but essential for Chemistry, molecules (namely dihydrogen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide and ethylene) that are considered as probes or as reactants in combination with "in situ" controlled temperature and pressure Infrared spectroscopy. The fundamental properties of H(2), CO, NO and C(2)H(4) are shortly described in order to justify their different behaviour in respect of isolated sites in different environments, extended surfaces, clusters, crystalline or amorphous materials. The description is given by considering some "key studies" and trying to evidence similarities and differences among surfaces and probes (572 references).

Hydrogen storage in metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly attractive materials because of their ultra-high surface areas, simple preparation approaches, designable structures, and potential applications. In the past several years, MOFs have attracted worldwide attention in the area of hydrogen energy, particularly for hydrogen storage. In this review, the recent progress of hydrogen storage in MOFs is presented. The relationships between hydrogen capacities and structures of MOFs are evaluated, with emphasis on the roles of surface area and pore size. The interaction mechanism between H(2) and MOFs is discussed. The challenges to obtain a high hydrogen capacity at ambient temperature are explored.

The effect of structural and energetic parameters of MOFs and COFs towards the improvement of their hydrogen storage properties

Open-framework materials have been proposed as potential materials for hydrogen storage. Metal-organic framework (MOF) and covalent-organic framework (COF) materials are under extensive study to discover their storage abilities. In particular the IRMOF family of materials have been considered as ideal to study the effect of different factors that affect the hydrogen storage capacity. In this paper, we analyse the effect of different factors such as surface area, pore volume and the interaction of hydrogen with the molecular framework on the hydrogen uptake of such materials. Through this analysis we propose guidelines to enhance hydrogen storage capacity of already synthesized materials and recommend advanced materials for this application.

Low-Temperature Adsorption/Storage of Hydrogen on FAU, MFI, and MOR Zeolites with Various Si/Al Ratios: Effect of Electrostatic Fields and Pore Structures

Several zeolites, such as faujasite, mordenite, and ZSM-5, with various aluminum contents have been used to analyze the effect of aluminum or cation concentration (strength of electrostatic field) on hydrogen adsorption at low temperature. Irrespective of the zeolite structure, the adsorption capacity, isosteric heat of adsorption (-DeltaHads), surface coverage, and micropore occupancy increase with increasing aluminum content of a zeolite. Zeolites with a higher amount of aluminum favorably adsorb hydrogen at relatively low pressures. For zeolites with similar aluminum contents, the adsorption capacity, isosteric heat of adsorption, surface coverage, and micropore occupancy are in the order of mordenite>ZSM-5>faujasite, probably due to differing pore sizes and the presence or absence of pore intersections. This work demonstrates that zeolites with strong electrostatic fields and narrow pores without intersections are beneficial for high hydrogen uptake.

Single and dual cation sites in zeolites: theoretical calculations and FTIR spectroscopic studies on CO adsorption on K-FER

Interaction of CO with K-FER zeolite was investigated by a combination of variable-temperature IR spectroscopy and computational study. Calculations were performed using omega(CO)/r(CO) correlation method in combination with a periodic density functional theory model. On the basis of agreement between experimental and calculated results, the following carbonyl complexes were identified: (i) mono- and dicarbonyl C-down complexes on single K(+) sites characterized by IR absorption bands at 2163 and 2161 cm(-1), respectively; (ii) complexes formed by CO bridging two K(+) ions separated by about 7-8 A (dual sites) characterized by a band at 2148 cm(-1); and (iii) isocarbonyl (O-down) complexes characterized by a band at 2116 cm(-1). The bridged carbonyl complexes on dual K(+) sites are about 5 kJ/mol more stable than monodentate (monocarbonyl) CO complexes. The C-O stretching frequency of monocarbonyl species in K-FER depends on K(+) location in the zeolite, and not on K(+) coordination to the framework. A combination of theoretical calculations using a periodic density functional model and experimental results showed formation of two types of monocarbonyls. The most abundant type appears at 2163 cm(-1), and the less abundant one at 2172 cm(-1). These experimentally determined wavenumber values coincide, within +/-2 cm(-1), with those derived from theoretical calculations.

Thermodynamics of reversible gas adsorption on alkali-metal exchanged zeolites—the interplay of infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations

Detailed understanding of weak solid-gas interactions giving rise to reversible gas adsorption on zeolites and related materials is relevant to both, fundamental studies on gas adsorption and potential improvement on a number of (adsorption based) technological processes. Combination of variable-temperature infrared spectroscopy with theoretical calculations constitutes a fruitful approach towards both of these aims. Such an approach is demonstrated here (mainly) by reviewing recent studies on hydrogen and carbon monoxide adsorption (at a low temperature) on alkali-metal exchanged ferrierite. However, the methodology discussed, which involves the interplay of experimental measurements and theoretical calculations at the periodic DFT level, should be equally valid for many other gas-solid systems. Specific aspects considered are the identification of gas adsorption complexes and thermodynamic studies related to standard adsorption enthalpy and entropy.

Direct observation and modelling of ordered hydrogen adsorption and catalyzed ortho–para conversion on ETS-10 titanosilicate material

Hydrogen physisorption on porous high surface materials is investigated for the purpose of hydrogen storage and hydrogen separation, because of its simplicity and intrinsic reversibility. For these purposes, the understanding of the binding of dihydrogen to materials, of the structure of the adsorbed phase and of the ortho-para conversion during thermal and pressure cycles are crucial for the development of new hydrogen adsorbents. We report the direct observation by IR spectroscopic methods of structured hydrogen adsorption on a porous titanosilicate (ETS-10), with resolution of the kinetics of the ortho-para transition, and an interpretation of the structure of the adsorbed phase based on classical atomistic simulations. Distinct infrared signals of o- and p-H2 in different adsorbed states are measured, and the conversion of o- to p-H2 is monitored over a timescale of hours, indicating the presence of a catalyzed reaction. Hydrogen adsorption occurs in three different regimes characterized by well separated IR manifestations: at low pressures ordered 1:1 adducts with Na and K ions exposed in the channels of the material are formed, which gradually convert into ordered 2:1 adducts. Further addition of H2 occurs only through the formation of a disordered condensed phase. The binding enthalpy of the Na+-H2 1:1 adduct is of -8.7+/-0.1 kJ mol(-1), as measured spectroscopically. Modeling of the weak interaction of H2 with the materials requires an accurate force field with a precise description of both dispersion and electrostatics. A novel three body force field for molecular hydrogen is presented, based on the fitting of an accurate PES for the H2-H2 interaction to the experimental dipole polarizability and quadrupole moment. Molecular mechanics simulations of hydrogen adsorption at different coverages confirm the three regimes of adsorption and the structure of the adsorbed phase.

Effect of Reagent Rotation on Isotopic Branching in (He, HD+) Collisions

A three-dimensional time-dependent quantum mechanical wave packet approach is used to calculate reaction probability (P(R)) and integral reaction cross section (sigma(R)) values for both the channels of the reaction He + HD(+) (v = 1; j = 0, 1, 2, 3) --> HeH(D)(+) + D(H), over a range of translational energy (E(trans)) on the McLaughlin-Thompson-Joseph-Sathyamurthy (MTJS) potential energy surface using centrifugal sudden approximation for nonzero total angular momentum (J) values. The reaction probability plots as a function of translational energy for different J values exhibit several oscillations, which are characteristic of the system. It is shown that HeH(+) is preferred over HeD(+) for large J values and that HeD(+) is preferred over HeH(+) for small J values for all the rotational (j) states studied. The integral reaction cross section for both the channels and therefore the isotopic branching ratio for the reaction depend strongly on j in contrast to the marginal dependence shown by earlier QCT calculations. The computed results are in overall agreement with the available experimental results.

FTIR spectroscopic and computational studies on hydrogen adsorption on the zeolite Li–FER

The interaction, at a low temperature, between molecular hydrogen and the zeolite Li-FER was studied by means of variable temperature infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations using a periodic DFT model. The adsorbed dihydrogen molecule becomes infrared active, giving a characteristic IR absorption band (H-H stretching) at 4090 cm(-1). Three different Li(+) site types with respect to H(2) adsorption were found in the zeolite, two of which adsorb H(2). Calculations showed a similar interaction energy for these two sites, which was found to agree with the experimentally determined value of standard adsorption enthalpy of DeltaH(0) = -4.1 (+/-0.8) kJ mol(-1). The results are discussed in the broader context of previously reported data for H(2) adsorption on Na-FER and K-FER.