Effect of iron incorporation and silicon defect generation on acid catalytic properties of MFI-type zeolites

Abstract

Zeolites are microporous crystalline materials, and their inherent acidity makes them versatile catalysts for various catalytic reactions. To tailor the acid-catalytic properties of zeolites to a suitable level for specific reactions, several factors affecting the acidity of zeolites are being studied. In addition to the change of aluminum content, the replacement of aluminum with heteroatoms or the utilization of functional groups such as silanol are alternative methods for modifying acidity. This thesis explores the acid catalytic properties of zeolite by the incorporation of iron or the generation of silicon defect depending on the synthesis condition changes. Both approaches result in the formation of weak acid sites, rendering them suitable for catalytic reactions where strong acid sites may pose challenges. This study investigates the consequential changes in the physicochemical properties induced by these modifications, and their applications in the methanol-to-hydrocarbon reaction and Beckmann rearrangement reaction. These findings can contribute to a deeper understanding of how these factors in the zeolite synthesis procedure influence the acid-catalyzed reactions, providing valuable insights for the design and optimization of catalysts in diverse applications.