Novel and emerging concepts related to cationic species in zeolites: Characterization, chemistry and catalysis

Abstract

This review surveys our efforts to form and characterize cationic species located in the micropores of various zeolites, both for metal and non-metal cations, with specific emphasis on their novel, emerging properties, and reactivity. Herein, it is described how we realized synthesis of such species with a focus on both cation identity as well as zeolite architecture, and synthesis methods. Well-defined cationic species could be produced by careful choice of metal incorporation methods, Al distribution tuning and synthesis parameters. Previously unknown phenomena in zeolite and cation-zeolite chemistry were discovered by employing these well-defined systems and will be covered in this review article. Methodology to dramatically improve stability of cations in zeolite for adsorption and catalytic applications, and usefulness of these materials in elucidating hitherto unknown catalytic intermediates and mechanisms will be discussed.