Structure and Reactivity of Zeolites Containing Group Five Elements (V, Nb, Ta)

Abstract

This chapter is devoted to the inclusion of group five metals (vanadium, niobium and tantalum) into different zeolite structures (mainly AFI, AM-11, BEA, FAU, LTA, MEL, MFI, MOR, MWW) in order to achieve zeolites with novel catalytic and photocatalytic properties. The focus is on the achievement in the last two decades in the field of methods of metal incorporation and characterization of structure of species formed by different modification methods and their acid-base and redox properties. Special attention is paid to the reactivity of metal species in zeolites with reagents in selected catalytic processes. Their catalytic activity is considered in oxidation processes (in liquid and gas phases), reduction and acid-catalysed reactions as well as photocatalytic processes. From among liquid-phase oxidation processes, hydroxylation of benzene and oxidation of olefins and sulphides with hydrogen peroxide are considered. As examples of gas-phase redox processes, propane and methanol oxidation and catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide are presented. The tandem reaction, ethanol to 1,3-butadiene, and transformation of glycerol to acrolein are discussed in details as examples of acid-catalysed reactions. The use of zeolites as supports for group five metals is demonstrated to be a good solution for designing attractive photocatalysts.