TUN, IMF and -SVR Zeolites; Synthesis, Properties and Acidity

The effect of synthesis conditions on the preparation and properties of three novel zeolites TUN, IMF, and -SVR was investigated and compared with MFI. X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, chemical analysis, sorption measurements, and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the textural and chemical properties of these zeolites. FTIR spectroscopy in combination with pyridine as probe molecule was used to describe the type, concentration and acid strength of these zeolites. Zeolite -SVR was synthesized with Si/Al ratios higher than 100 in contrast with TUN and IMF having Si/Al ratios about 20-30, respectively. TUN, MFI and IMF zeolites exhibit similar concentrations of Bronsted and Lewis acid sites and also similar acid strength of Bronsted sites. In contrast, the presence of one vacancy/unit cell in the case of -SVR zeolite substantially changes its acidic properties. Generally, zeolites TUN and IMF exhibit similar acidic properties in terms of acid strength and Bronsted to Lewis acid site ratio like MFI and due to their slightly larger pores higher activities in catalytic reactions are expected.