Zeolite UTL Research Articles

Nanoporous Zeolite UTL Decorated with Sn to Catalyze the Baeyer–Villiger Reaction

Nanoporous Zeolite UTL Decorated with Sn to Catalyze the Baeyer–Villiger Reaction

ADOR zeolite with 12 × 8 × 8-ring pores derived from IWR germanosilicate.

Zeolites have been well known for decades as catalytic materials and adsorbents and are traditionally prepared using the bottom-up synthesis method. Although it was productive for more than 250 zeolite frameworks, the conventional solvothermal synthesis approach provided limited control over the structural characteristics of the formed materials. In turn, the discovery and development of the Assembly-Disassembly-Organization-Reassembly (ADOR) strategy for the regioselective manipulation of germanosilicates enabled the synthesis of previously unattainable zeolites with predefined structures. To date, the family tree of ADOR materials has included the topological branches of UTL, UOV, IWW, *CTH, and IWV zeolites. Herein, we report on the expansion of ADOR zeolites with a new branch related to the IWR topology, which is yet unattainable experimentally but theoretically predicted as highly promising adsorbents for CO2 separation applications. The optimization of not only the chemical composition but also the dimensions of the crystalline domain in the parent IWR zeolite in the Assembly step was found to be the key to the success of its ADOR transformation into previously unknown IPC-17 zeolite with an intersecting 12 × 8 × 8-ring pore system. The structure of the as-prepared IPC-17 zeolite was verified by a combination of microscopic and diffraction techniques, while the results on the epichlorohydrin ring-opening with alcohols of variable sizes proved the molecular sieving ability of IPC-17 with potential application in heterogeneous catalysis. The proposed synthesis strategy may facilitate the discovery of zeolite materials that are difficult or yet impossible to achieve using a traditional bottom-up synthesis approach.

Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Advanced Sn- and Zr-Zeolites Materials.

The incorporation of isolated Sn (IV) and Zr (IV) ions into silica frameworks is attracting widespread attention, which exhibits remarkable catalytic performance (conversion, selectivity, and stability) in a broad range of reactions, especially in the field of biomass catalytic conversion. As a representative example, the conversion route of carbohydrates into valuable platform and commodity chemicals such as lactic acid and alkyl lactates, has already been established. The zeotype materials also possess water-tolerant ability and are capable to be served as promising heterogeneous catalysts for aqueous reactions. Therefore, dozens of Sn- and Zr-containing silica materials with various channel systems have been prepared successfully in the past decades, containing 8 membered rings (MR) small pore CHA zeolite, 10-MR medium pore zeolites (FER, MCM-56, MEL, MFI, MWW), 12-MR large pore zeolites (Beta, BEC, FAU, MOR, MSE, MTW), and 14-MR extra-large pore UTL zeolite. This review about Sn- and Zr-containing metallosilicate materials focuses on their synthesis strategy, catalytic applications for diverse reactions, and the effect of zeolite characteristics on their catalytic performances.

Strong CO2 adsorption in narrow-pore ADOR zeolites: A combined experimental and computational study on IPC-12 and related structures

The ADOR method of synthesizing new zeolites has yielded a range of innovative siliceous materials featuring narrow pores, which facilitate relatively strong CO2 binding. This combined experimental and computational study investigates the adsorption properties of known ADOR materials (isoreticular zeolites of the UTL family and zeolites synthesized from UOV, *CTH, IWR, and IWW parent materials), as well as hypothetical ADOR zeolites derived from UOV, IWR, and IWW. The adsorption heat of carbon dioxide on the investigated ADOR materials was ascertained through i) a series of isotherms measured at 278–318 K and ii) Monte Carlo simulations at 300 K utilizing the DFT/CC technique. Consistently higher heats of CO2 adsorption found in -D4R materials (double four-membered ring interlayer linker removed from a parent zeolite) indicate stronger dispersion interactions compared to their -S4R counterparts (single four-membered ring removed). Among ADOR zeolites, IPC-12 (UOV-D4R) was identified as a zeolite possessing the strongest CO2 binding (heat of adsorption at the zero-coverage limit of 37.3 and 37.9 kJ/mol, as determined by experiment and theory, respectively). This high adsorption energy can be attributed to a distinct structural pattern featuring an elongated shape, which effectively accommodates CO2. Comparable structural patterns to IPC-12 were also detected in as-yet hypothetical ADOR products (IWR-D4R and IWW-D4R).

Impact of residual sodium cations in azonia-spiro templates on the formation of large and extra-large pore zeolites

Azonia-spiro compounds have been reported as organic templates for synthesizing many extra-large pore high silica zeolites, often isomorphically substituted by germanium. However, these templates are usually obtained in the presence of sodium hydroxide, leading to persisting sodium ions in the final products. Sodium cations may compete with azonia-spiro organics as templates during zeolite synthesis. Therefore, effect of any residual sodium cations on the synthesis results needs to be investigated. This work documents the effect of sodium ions on zeolite formation using four structurally similar azonia-spiro compounds as templates. Different silicogermanate zeolites (UTL, an unknown zeolitic phase, etc.) were formed in the absence of sodium cations. Notably, the syntheses of silicogermanate UTL and siliceous MTW zeolites using azonia-spiro[4,6] and [6,6] are reported for the first time. Controlled amounts of sodium chloride were added to zeolite crystallization mixtures without residual sodium hydroxide. In the presence of 0.005–0.1 mol/L Na+, silicogermanate zeolites were the dominant phases. Further increasing the Na+ concentration to 0.152 and 0.317 mol/L, formation of UTL and an unknown silicogermanate phase were inhibited in favor of a dense sodiumgermanate (Na4Ge9O20). Moreover, sodium ions next to azonia-spiro organic templates also influence the morphologies of the MTW zeolites. The observed high sensitivity of zeolite formation in the presence of even traces of sodium therefore has impact on synthesis protocols of large pore silicogermanate zeolites. This work highlights how small, often overlooked, factors in inorganic material synthesis can drastically change the outcome.

Modified reverse ADOR assembles Al-rich UTL zeolite from IPC-1P layers

Extra-large pore zeolites clear the way for the synthesis of fine chemicals and bulky compounds unable to enter the channels of medium- and large-pore zeolites.

In situ flow pair distribution function analysis to probe the assembly-disassembly-organisation-reassembly (ADOR) mechanism of zeolite IPC-2 synthesis.

The assembly–disassembly–organisation–reassembly (ADOR) process is an important tool to access zeolite structures that are otherwise unfeasible via hydrothermal methods. In situ flow pair distribution function (PDF) analysis has been used to probe the mechanism of the disassembly and organisation steps, with the disassembly a rapid step that is often difficult to capture. Zeolite UTL was hydrolysed by 6 M hydrochloric acid, with PDF measurements used to monitor framework alterations as the reaction proceeded. The resulting disassembly mechanism shows an initial rapid removal of germanium from the germanium-rich double 4 rings (d4r), followed by silicon rearrangement and gradual silanol condensation to form IPC-2P.

Reverse ADOR: reconstruction of UTL zeolite from layered IPC-1P.

The assembly–disassembly–organisation–reassembly (ADOR) process has led to the discovery of numerous zeolite structures, albeit limited to materials with decreased pore size in relation to the parent germanosilicate zeolite. This limitation stems from the rapid decrease in d-spacing upon hydrolysis (disassembly). Nevertheless, we have artificially increased the d-spacing of layered IPC-1P by intercalating organic species. Furthermore, we have reconstructed double four rings (D4R) between layers, thus transforming IPC-1P back into the parent UTL zeolite. This reconstruction has provided not only germanosilicate but also a new, high-silica UTL zeolite (Si/Ge = 481). Therefore, our “reverse ADOR” opens up new synthetic routes towards promising extra-large-pore zeolite-based materials with new chemical compositions.

Structure Solution and Defect Analysis of an Extra-Large Pore Zeolite with UTL Topology by Electron Microscopy.

Defects within zeolites are crucially important for explaining their physicochemical behavior. The UTL zeolite, with a pillared layer structure, has been widely used in zeolite crystal engineering to assemble new structures from its layered structural units, but a fundamental understanding of its defect is lacking. Here, we report a newly synthesized UTL framework zeolite, UTL-DBU, with a commercially available superbase 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as a template. Its structure was determined by a combination of three-dimensional electron diffraction tomography and high-resolution (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. Using transmission electron microscopy, two types of defects, stacking disorder and edge dislocation-like planar defect, were discovered. On the basis of the analysis of the electron diffraction and imaging, the layer stacking sequence together with the structural and mathematical models of the microtwinning was successfully built up. Unraveling these defects will provide new insights into the rational design of targeted zeolites utilizing UTL.

A procedure for identifying possible products in the assembly-disassembly-organization-reassembly (ADOR) synthesis of zeolites.

High-silica zeolites, some of the most important and widely used catalysts in industry, have potential for application across a wide range of traditional and emerging technologies. The many structural topologies of zeolites have a variety of potential uses, so a strong drive to create new zeolites exists. Here, we present a protocol, the assembly-disassembly-organization-reassembly (ADOR) process, for a relatively new method of preparing these important solids. It allows the synthesis of new high-silica zeolites (Si/Al >1,000), whose synthesis is considered infeasible with traditional (solvothermal) methods, offering new topologies that may find novel applications. We show how to identify the optimal conditions (e.g., duration of reaction, temperature, acidity) for ADOR, which is a complex process with different possible outcomes. Following the protocol will allow researchers to identify the different products that are possible from a reaction without recourse to repetitive and time-consuming trial and error. In developing the protocol, germanium-containing UTL zeolites were subjected to hydrolysis conditions using both water and hydrochloric acid as media, which provides an understanding of the effects of temperature and pH on the disassembly (D) and organization (O) steps of the process that define the potential products. Samples were taken from the ongoing reaction periodically over a minimum of 8 h, and each sample was analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction to yield a time course for the reaction at each set of conditions; selected samples were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Isomorphous Incorporation of Tin Ions into Germanosilicate Framework Assisted by Local Structural Rearrangement

The crystalline structure of UTL zeolite experienced an unusual orientated collapse and reconstruction within an extremely narrow time window during the structural stabilization process by nitric acid treatment at elevated temperature. Taking full advantage of this unique structural change, extra-large-pore Sn-UTL zeolites were postsynthesized via the reaction between the SnCl4 molecules and the silanols in the hydroxyl nests, which occurred concomitantly with the removal of Ge and/or Si species from the dense layer. The original UTL topology was restored thereafter, leading to a Sn-incorporated analogue. The usage of the most seriously collapsed intermediate structure, which was captured by timing during the precisely controlled acid treatment, was vital for achieving Sn-UTL zeolites with a larger amount of isolated Sn species effectively incorporated. With tetrahedrally coordinated Sn ions in the highly stabilized UTL topology consisting of intersecting 12- and 14-membered ring (MR) pore channels, Sn-UT...

Post-Synthesis Stabilization of Germanosilicate Zeolites ITH, IWW, and UTL by Substitution of Ge for Al.

Germanosilicate zeolites often suffer from low hydrothermal stability due to the high content of Ge. Herein, we investigated the post-synthesis introduction of Al accompanied by stabilization of selected germanosilicates by degermanation/alumination treatments. The influence of chemical composition and topology of parent germanosilicate zeolites (ITH, IWW, and UTL) on the post-synthesis incorporation of Al was studied. Alumination of ITH (Si/Ge=2-13) and IWW (Si/Ge=3-7) zeolites resulted in the partial substitution of Ge for Al (up to 80 %), which was enhanced with a decrease of Ge content in the parent zeolite. In contrast, in extra-large pore zeolite UTL (Si/Ge=4-6) the hydrolysis of the interlayer Ge-O bonds dominated over substitution. The stabilization of zeolite UTL was achieved using a novel two-step degermanation/alumination procedure by the partial post-synthesis substitution of Ge for Si followed by alumination. This new method of stabilization and incorporation of strong acid sites may extend the utilization of germanosilicate zeolites, which has been until now been limited.

Combined PDF and Rietveld studies of ADORable zeolites and the disordered intermediate IPC-1P.

The disordered intermediate of the ADORable zeolite UTL has been structurally confirmed using the pair distribution function (PDF) technique. The intermediate, IPC-1P, is a disordered layered compound formed by the hydrolysis of UTL in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid solution. Its structure is unsolvable by traditional X-ray diffraction techniques. The PDF technique was first benchmarked against high-quality synchrotron Rietveld refinements of IPC-2 (OKO) and IPC-4 (PCR) - two end products of IPC-1P condensation that share very similar structural features. An IPC-1P starting model derived from density functional theory was used for the PDF refinement, which yielded a final fit of Rw = 18% and a geometrically reasonable structure. This confirms the layers do stay intact throughout the ADOR process and shows PDF is a viable technique for layered zeolite structure determination.

ChemInform Abstract: The ADOR Mechanism for the Synthesis of New Zeolites

AbstractReview: ADOR: Assembly‐Disassembly‐Organization‐Reassembly; 206 refs.

Fabrication of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials with Tunable Porosity for Catalytic Application.

Novel layered organic-inorganic materials functionalized with amino groups have been synthesized by using a two-dimensional zeolitic precursor, IPC-1P, prepared by a top-down approach from zeolite UTL. The formation of porous materials containing silsesquioxane linkers covalently bonded to zeolite layers in the interlayer space was confirmed by a variety of characterization techniques (N2 sorption, XRD, TEM). The textural properties and catalytic behavior of functionalized hybrid materials synthesized by direct pillaring of IPC-1P or by grafting of (3-aminopropyl)silyl groups to the IPC-1P precursor preliminarily pillared with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were compared. The use of a mixture of aminosilsesquioxanes and TEOS for pillaring of IPC-1P led to the formation of functionalized materials, which are characterized by excellent textural properties (SBET =154-435 m2 g-1 , Vtotal =0.336-0.630 cm3 g-1 ) and provide a 100 % yield of target benzylidenemalononitrile in the Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde and malononitrile.

The ADOR mechanism for the synthesis of new zeolites.

A novel methodology, called ADOR (assembly-disassembly-organisation-reassembly), for the synthesis of zeolites is reviewed here in detail. The ADOR mechanism stems from the fact that certain chemical weakness against a stimulus may be present in a zeolite framework, which can then be utilized for the preparation of new solids through successive manipulation of the material. In this review, we discuss the critical factors of germanosilicate zeolites required for application of the ADOR protocol and describe the mechanism of hydrolysis, organisation and condensation to form new zeolites starting from zeolite UTL. Last but not least, we discuss the potential of this methodology to form other zeolites and the prospects for future investigations.

Preferential Location of Germanium in the UTL and IPC-2a Zeolites

The preferential location of Ge in the double four-membered rings (D4R) of zeolite UTL has been examined with periodic density functional theory calculations. In silicate UTL, Ge atoms are preferentially sited at the T1 and T2 atoms in the D4R cages. The preference for siting Ge atoms at the D4R sites over other T atom sites in UTL increases as more Si atoms are replaced by Ge. Our calculations show that at least 3 Ge atoms can be located in the D4R cages before any appreciable occupancy at non-D4R sites. Comparison of Ge atom siting in UTL to zeolite IPC-2a shows that the single four-membered ring (S4R) sites in the latter are not the most favorable sites.

Germanosilicate UTL and its rich chemistry of solid-state transformations towards IPC-2 (OKO) zeolite

The unique features of the germanosilicate zeolite possessing the UTL framework topology offer various post-synthetic modifications such as ‘top-down’, ‘inverse sigma’ or solid-state transformations. The presented work describes several different synthetic routes generating the IPC-2 type zeolite (OKO topology) utilizing UTL as the parent material. In total, five approaches were investigated which exhibit this topological transformation from germanosilicate UTL to OKO type material: (1) alkoxysilylation of the layered precursor (IPC-1P) formed by hydrolysis of UTL; (2) direct conversion of UTL by treatment in 7–12M hydrochloric acid; (3) direct transformation under mild conditions of water and ammonium nitrate solution on Al- and B-UTL; (4) repeated calcinations of boron-containing UTL; (5) using organic solutions as self-stabilization agents. Resulting materials were examined by powder XRD, nitrogen sorption, SEM and EDX. Briefly, all the materials possessed the same OKO topology but had differing BET surface areas and micropore volumes in the ranges of 201–493m2/g and 0.095–0.189cm3/g, respectively. The morphologies of crystals were very similar, while the size of them varied between 10 and 50μm. The main goal of the study was to emphasize the complexity of post-synthetic UTL zeolite chemistry and the diverse range of solid-state transformations possible.

Atomic force microscopy of novel zeolitic materials prepared by top-down synthesis and ADOR mechanism.

Top-down synthesis of 2D materials from a parent 3D zeolite with subsequent post-synthetic modification is an interesting method for synthesis of new materials. Assembly, disassembly, organisation, reassembly (ADOR) processes towards novel materials based on the zeolite UTL are now established. Herein, we present the first study of these materials by atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM was used to monitor the ADOR process through observation of the changes in crystal surface and step height of the products. UTL surfaces were generally complex and contained grain boundaries and low-angle intergrowths, in addition to regular terraces. Hydrolysis of UTL to IPC-1P did not have adverse effects on the surfaces as compared to UTL. The layers remained intact after intercalation and calcination forming novel materials IPC-2 and IPC-4. Measured step heights gave good correlation with the X-ray diffraction determined d200 -spacing in these materials. However, swelling gave rise to significant changes to the surface topography, with significantly less regular terrace shapes. The pillared material yielded the roughest surface with ill-defined surface features. The results support a mechanism for the majority of these materials in which the UTL layers remain intact during the ADOR process as opposed to dissolving and recrystallising during each step.

Computational Investigation of the Lewis Acidity in Three-Dimensional and Corresponding Two-Dimensional Zeolites: UTL vs IPC-1P

The adsorption and catalytic properties of three-dimensional zeolite UTL were investigated computationally along with properties of its two-dimensional analogue IPC-1P that can be obtained from UTL by a removal of D4R units. Adsorption properties and Lewis acidity of extra-framework Li(+) sites were investigated for both two- and three-dimensional forms of UTL using the carbon monoxide as a probe molecule. The CO adsorption enthalpies, calculated with various dispersion-corrected DFT methods, including DFT/CC, DFT-D2, and vdW-DF2, and the CO stretching frequencies obtained with the νCO/rCO correlation method are compared for corresponding Li(+) sites in 3D and 2D UTL zeolite. For the majority of framework Al positions the Li(+) cation is preferably located in one of the channel wall sites and such sites remains unchanged upon the 3D → 2D UTL transformation; consequently, the adsorption enthalpies become only slightly smaller in 2D UTL (less than 3 kJ mol(-1)) due to the missing part of dispersion interactions and νCO becomes also only up to 5 cm(-1) smaller in 2D UTL due to the missing repulsion with framework oxygen atoms from the opposite site of the zeolite channel (effect from the top). However, when Li(+) is located in the intersection site in 3D UTL (about 20% probability), its coordination with the framework is significantly increased in 2D UTL and that is accompanied by significant decrease of both νCO (about 20 cm(-1)) and adsorption enthalpy (about 20 kJ mol(-1)). Because the intersection sites in 3D UTL are the most active adsorption and catalytic Lewis sites, the results reported herein suggest that the 3D → 2D transformation of UTL zeolite is connected with partial decrease of zeolite activity in processes driven by Lewis acid sites.