Synthesis and characterization of SAPO-5 molecular sieve using N,N-dimethylbenzylamine as template

Abstract

The synthesis of SAPO-5 molecular sieves with high silicon contents has been attempted using N,N-dimethylbenzylamine as templating agent. SAPO-5 samples having silicon contents up to 35%, relative to total Si+Al+P, have been achieved. An increase in concentration of the templating agent in the synthesis gel effects increased silicon substitution albeit the formation of certain impurity phases. Characterization of such silicon-rich SAPO-5 materials has been carried out by various physiochemical techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDAX, MAS NMR, IR, TGA/DTA, TPD and a catalytic reaction, viz. the alkylation of toluene with methanol to xylenes.