Theoretical study on Al multiple substitutions in theMFI zeolite

Abstract

In this work we deal with ab initio and semiempirical calculations of single and multiple Al → Si replacements in the ZSM-5 structure. Substitutional energies for single replacements were obtained for cluster models of monomers, hexamers, and for the secondary building unit (SBU) of the zeolite by means of nonempirical SCF calculations, as well as the modified neglect of differential overlap (MNDO) method for extended clusters. The choice of the semiempirical methods for the study of multiple Si replacements by Al in the extended cluster model of the SBU is justified from the results with monomers and hexamers where the replacement energies obtained with MNDO are qualitatively the same as those from ab initio calculations. According to the results, a site occupancy order in the unit cell of the ZSM-5 network is derived from multiple Al → Si substitutions in the SBU, providing a theoretical basis for the Loewenstein–Dempsey Al sitting avoidance rules. Likewise, a Si/Al limit ratio in the Mobil FIve (MFI) zeolite, along with the corresponding Al distribution pattern in the unit cell, are also obtained.