Advances in Zeolite Catalysts

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Catalytic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 27513

Special Issue Editors

Dept Chem Engn, Univ Basque Country, POB 644, Bilbao 48080, Spain
Interests: sustainable catalytic processes; zeolites and zeotypes; oxygenates synthesis; added-value chemicals (olefins, fuels, aromatics); kinetic modeling; process simulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dept Chem Engn, Univ Basque Country, POB 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
Interests: sustainable catalytic processes; zeolites and zeotypes; oligomerization-cracking; added-value chemicals (olefins, fuels, aromatics); kinetic modeling; catalyst deactivation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zeolites and zeotypes are widely used for multiple processes linked with catalysis, adsorption, and separation in both conventional and sustainable refining concepts. Their outstanding performance is related to their unique structural, physical, and acid properties, which provide a suitable shape- and acid-selectivity for many catalytic applications. Great efforts have been made in the literature to improve the catalytic properties of these materials in order to reduce mass transfer limitations, provide hierarchical structure (different micro-, meso-, and macroporosity levels), improve desired product selectivity, attenuate deactivation, and enhance hydrothermal stability, among others. For this purpose, some pre- and post-treatments are suggested in the literature, such as steaming methods, reducing crystal size, desilication, acid- or basic- treatments, adding rare-earth or transition metals, selecting a proper matrix of binders and fillers, etc. Furthermore, the use of composite and core–shell materials is gaining great attention in order to take advantage of the synergetic effects between different zeolytic materials. Additional efforts have been directed to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods. 

This Special Issue aims to cover the recent advances made in zeolite-based catalysts. Topics of interest might include (but are not restricted to) the following: novel synthesis and characterization methods for developing zeolitic materials, composites (core–shell), nanosized zeolites, conventional and emerging applications on different catalytic routes (homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis), strategies to improve their catalytic properties and enhance catalytic performance, catalyst deactivation, etc.

Prof. Dr. Andres Tomas Aguayo
Dr. Eva Epelde Bejerano
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • zeolites
  • novel synthesis and characterization
  • composites
  • nanosized zeolites
  • homogeneous catalysis
  • heterogeneous catalysis
  • catalyst deactivation

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2351 KiB  
Article
TiO2–Zeolite Metal Composites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water
by Nazely Diban, Aleksandra Pacuła, Izumi Kumakiri, Carmen Barquín, Maria J. Rivero, Ane Urtiaga and Inmaculada Ortiz
Catalysts 2021, 11(11), 1367; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11111367 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2089
Abstract
Immobilization of photocatalysts in porous materials is an approach to significantly minimize the hazards of manipulation and recovery of nanoparticles. Inorganic materials, such as zeolites, are proposed as promising materials for photocatalyst immobilization mainly due to their photochemical stability. In this work, a [...] Read more.
Immobilization of photocatalysts in porous materials is an approach to significantly minimize the hazards of manipulation and recovery of nanoparticles. Inorganic materials, such as zeolites, are proposed as promising materials for photocatalyst immobilization mainly due to their photochemical stability. In this work, a green synthesis method is proposed to combine TiO2-based photocatalysts with commercial ZY zeolite. Moreover, a preliminary analysis of their performance as photocatalysts for the abatement of organic pollutants in waters was performed. Our results show that the physical mixture of TiO2 and zeolite maintains photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, composites fabricated by doping TiO2–zeolite Y materials with silver and palladium nanoparticles do not contribute to improving the photocatalytic activity beyond that of TiO2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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16 pages, 1209 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Si/Al Ratio on the Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of MgO/ZSM-5 Catalyst in Transesterification Reaction of Rapeseed Oil
by Łukasz Szkudlarek, Karolina Chałupka, Waldemar Maniukiewicz, Jadwiga Albińska, Malgorzata I. Szynkowska-Jóźwik and Paweł Mierczyński
Catalysts 2021, 11(11), 1260; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11111260 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1748
Abstract
This work presents the comparative physicochemical and catalytic studies of metal oxide MgO catalysts in a transesterification reaction. The influence of the Si/Al ratio in the catalytic material on their catalytic properties in the studied process was extensively evaluated. In addition, the effect [...] Read more.
This work presents the comparative physicochemical and catalytic studies of metal oxide MgO catalysts in a transesterification reaction. The influence of the Si/Al ratio in the catalytic material on their catalytic properties in the studied process was extensively evaluated. In addition, the effect of the type of zeolite ZSM-5 form on the catalytic reactivity of MgO based catalysts was investigated. In order to achieve the main goals of this work, a series of MgO/ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared via the impregnation method. Their physicochemical properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET, FTIR and TPD-CO2 methods. The highest activity in the studied process exhibited MgO catalyst supported on ZSM-5 characterized by the highest ratio between silica and alumina. The most active catalyst system in the transesterification reaction was 10% MgO/ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 280), which showed the highest value of higher fatty acid methyl esters (94.6%) and high yield of triglyceride conversion (92.9%). The high activity of this system is explained by the alkalinity, sorption properties in relation to methanol and its high specific surface area compared to the rest of the investigated MgO based catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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13 pages, 5073 KiB  
Article
Low-Temperature Hydrogenation of Toluene Using an Iron-Promoted Molybdenum Carbide Catalyst
by Song Zhou, Xi Liu, Jian Xu, Hui Zhang, Xiaosong Liu, Pengcheng Li, Xiaodong Wen, Yong Yang and Yongwang Li
Catalysts 2021, 11(9), 1079; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11091079 - 08 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2712
Abstract
As an alternative to noble metal hydrogenation catalysts, pure molybdenum carbide displays unsatisfactory catalytic activity for arene hydrogenation. Precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and gold are widely used as additives to enhance the catalytic activities of molybdenum carbide, which severely limits its [...] Read more.
As an alternative to noble metal hydrogenation catalysts, pure molybdenum carbide displays unsatisfactory catalytic activity for arene hydrogenation. Precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and gold are widely used as additives to enhance the catalytic activities of molybdenum carbide, which severely limits its potential applications in industry. In this paper, iron-promoted molybdenum carbide was prepared and characterized by various techniques, including in situ XRD, synchrotron-based XPS and TEM. while the influence of Fe addition on catalytic performance for toluene hydrogenation was also studied. The experimental data disclose that a small amount of Fe doping strongly enhances catalytic stability in toluene hydrogenation, but the catalytic performance drops rapidly with higher loading amounts of Fe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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13 pages, 3187 KiB  
Article
ZnCDs/ZnO@ZIF-8 Zeolite Composites for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline
by Yong Cheng, Xiuxiu Wang, Yu Mei, Dan Wang and Changchun Ji
Catalysts 2021, 11(8), 934; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11080934 - 30 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2684
Abstract
Considering the photocatalytic performance of CDs, ZnO, and the unique porous nanostructure and stability of ZIF-8, we prepared ZnCDs/ZnO@ZIF-8 zeolite composites. The resultant material represented an enhanced ability for the photodegradation of TC compared with that of ZnCDs and ZnO. The photocatalytic degradation [...] Read more.
Considering the photocatalytic performance of CDs, ZnO, and the unique porous nanostructure and stability of ZIF-8, we prepared ZnCDs/ZnO@ZIF-8 zeolite composites. The resultant material represented an enhanced ability for the photodegradation of TC compared with that of ZnCDs and ZnO. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency reached over 85%. The catalytic activity of the composites was maintained after four cycles. The experimental result indicated that ⋅O2 radical was the active species in the reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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14 pages, 4676 KiB  
Article
Solvent-Free Synthesis of SAPO-34 Zeolite with Tunable SiO2/Al2O3 Ratios for Efficient Catalytic Cracking of 1-Butene
by Xia Xiao, Zhongliang Xu, Peng Wang, Xinfei Liu, Xiaoqiang Fan, Lian Kong, Zean Xie and Zhen Zhao
Catalysts 2021, 11(7), 835; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11070835 - 10 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2445
Abstract
Solvent-free synthesis methodology is a promising technique for the green and sustainable preparation of zeolites materials. In this work, a solvent-free route was developed to synthesize SAPO-34 zeolite. The characterization results indicated that the crystal size, texture properties, acidity and Si coordination environment [...] Read more.
Solvent-free synthesis methodology is a promising technique for the green and sustainable preparation of zeolites materials. In this work, a solvent-free route was developed to synthesize SAPO-34 zeolite. The characterization results indicated that the crystal size, texture properties, acidity and Si coordination environment of the resulting SAPO-34 were tuned by adjusting the SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio in the starting mixture. Moreover, the acidity of SAPO-34 zeolite was found to depend on the Si coordination environment, which was consistent with that of SAPO-34 zeolite synthesized by the hydrothermal method. At an SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 0.6, the SP-0.6 sample exhibited the highest conversion of 1-butene (82.8%) and a satisfactory yield of light olefins (51.6%) in the catalytic cracking of 1-butene, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of the large SBET (425 m2/g) and the abundant acid sites (1.82 mmol/g). This work provides a new opportunity for the design of efficient zeolite catalysts for industrially important reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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9 pages, 2621 KiB  
Article
Improved Catalytic Propylene Epoxidation for Extruded Micrometer TS-1: Introducing Mesopores and Macropores Insides the Crystals
by Jiangbo Li, Feifei Zhang, Lukuan Zong, Xiangyu Wang and Huijuan Wei
Catalysts 2021, 11(1), 113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11010113 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
In the paper, mesopores and macropores are introduced inside the crystals of micrometer microporous titanium silicate-1 (TS-1) to solve the problem of active site coverage and mass transfer during extrusion. Hierarchically porous titanium silicalite-1 (HPTS-1) was acquired by treating micrometer microporous TS-1 with [...] Read more.
In the paper, mesopores and macropores are introduced inside the crystals of micrometer microporous titanium silicate-1 (TS-1) to solve the problem of active site coverage and mass transfer during extrusion. Hierarchically porous titanium silicalite-1 (HPTS-1) was acquired by treating micrometer microporous TS-1 with TPABr and ethanolamine. Extruded HPTS-1 maintained greatly superior catalytic performance and possessed high mechanical strength. Characterization results showed that extruded HPTS-1 possessed macroporous, mesoporous structure inside the crystals. These abundant pores are not only beneficial for diffusion reactants, but also make Ti-peroxo species (η2), active oxidation sites in TS-1/H2O2 system become much more reactive. The formula of extruded HPTS-1 was optimized using an orthogonal experiment. The maximum strength of extruded HPTS-1 was up to 200 N/cm, the highest yield of propylene oxide was 92.5% and the specific rate was up to 41.9%. The research provides a scientific basis for producing extruded catalysts with excellent catalytic performance and high mechanical strength in industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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13 pages, 2341 KiB  
Article
Pt-Sn Supported on Beta Zeolite with Enhanced Activity and Stability for Propane Dehydrogenation
by Su-Un Lee, You-Jin Lee, Soo-Jin Kwon, Jeong-Rang Kim and Soon-Yong Jeong
Catalysts 2021, 11(1), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11010025 - 28 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2762
Abstract
With the growing global propylene demand, propane dehydrogenation (PDH) has attracted great attention for on-purpose propylene production. However, its industrial application is limited because catalysts suffer from rapid deactivation due to coke deposition and metal catalyst sintering. To enhance metal catalyst dispersion and [...] Read more.
With the growing global propylene demand, propane dehydrogenation (PDH) has attracted great attention for on-purpose propylene production. However, its industrial application is limited because catalysts suffer from rapid deactivation due to coke deposition and metal catalyst sintering. To enhance metal catalyst dispersion and coke resistance, Pt-based catalysts have been widely investigated with various porous supports. In particular, zeolite can benefit from large surface area and acid sites, which favors high metal dispersion and promoting catalytic activity. In this work, we investigated the PDH catalytic properties of Beta zeolites as a support for Pt-Sn based catalysts. In comparison with Pt-Sn supported over θ-Al2O3 and amorphous silica (Q6), Beta zeolite-supported Pt-Sn catalysts exhibited a different reaction trend, achieving the best propylene selectivity after a proper period of reaction time. The different PDH catalytic behavior over Beta zeolite-supported Pt-Sn catalysts has been attributed to their physicochemical properties and reaction mechanism. Although Pt-Sn catalyst supported over Beta zeolite with low acidity showed low Pt dispersion, it formed a relatively lower amount of coke on PDH reaction and maintained a high surface area and active Pt surfaces, resulting in enhanced stability for PDH reaction. This work can provide a better understanding of zeolite-supported Pt-Sn catalysts to improve PDH catalytic activity with high selectivity and low coke formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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18 pages, 2706 KiB  
Article
Influence of Topology and Brønsted Acid Site Presence on Methanol Diffusion in Zeolites Beta and MFI
by Cecil H. Botchway, Richard Tia, Evans Adei, Alexander J. O’Malley, Nelson Y. Dzade, Carlos Hernandez-Tamargo and Nora H. de Leeuw
Catalysts 2020, 10(11), 1342; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10111342 - 18 Nov 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Detailed insight into molecular diffusion in zeolite frameworks is crucial for the analysis of the factors governing their catalytic performance in methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MTH) reactions. In this work, we present a molecular dynamics study of the diffusion of methanol in all-silica and acidic zeolite [...] Read more.
Detailed insight into molecular diffusion in zeolite frameworks is crucial for the analysis of the factors governing their catalytic performance in methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MTH) reactions. In this work, we present a molecular dynamics study of the diffusion of methanol in all-silica and acidic zeolite MFI and Beta frameworks over the range of temperatures 373–473 K. Owing to the difference in pore dimensions, methanol diffusion is more hindered in H-MFI, with diffusion coefficients that do not exceed 10 × 10−10 m2s−1. In comparison, H-Beta shows diffusivities that are one to two orders of magnitude larger. Consequently, the activation energy of translational diffusion can reach 16 kJ·mol−1 in H-MFI, depending on the molecular loading, against a value for H-Beta that remains between 6 and 8 kJ·mol−1. The analysis of the radial distribution functions and the residence time at the Brønsted acid sites shows a greater probability for methylation of the framework in the MFI structure compared to zeolite Beta, with the latter displaying a higher prevalence for methanol clustering. These results contribute to the understanding of the differences in catalytic performance of zeolites with varying micropore dimensions in MTH reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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Review

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45 pages, 5212 KiB  
Review
Technology Advances in Phenol Removals: Current Progress and Future Perspectives
by Wibawa Hendra Saputera, Amellia Setyani Putrie, Ali Asghar Esmailpour, Dwiwahju Sasongko, Veinardi Suendo and Rino R. Mukti
Catalysts 2021, 11(8), 998; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11080998 - 19 Aug 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6109
Abstract
Phenol acts as a pollutant even at very low concentrations in water. It is classified as one of the main priority pollutants that need to be treated before being discharged into the environment. If phenolic-based compounds are discharged into the environment without any [...] Read more.
Phenol acts as a pollutant even at very low concentrations in water. It is classified as one of the main priority pollutants that need to be treated before being discharged into the environment. If phenolic-based compounds are discharged into the environment without any treatments, they pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and aquatic systems. This review emphasizes the development of advanced technologies for phenol removal. Several technologies have been developed to remove phenol to prevent environmental pollution, such as biological treatment, conventional technologies, and advanced technologies. Among these technologies, heterogeneous catalytic ozonation has received great attention as an effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable process for the degradation of phenolic-based compounds, which can overcome some of the disadvantages of other technologies. Recently, zeolites have been widely used as one of the most promising catalysts in the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation process to degrade phenol and its derivatives because they provide a large specific surface area, high active site density, and excellent shape-selective properties as a catalyst. Rational design of zeolite-based catalysts with various synthesis methods and pre-defined physiochemical properties including framework, ratio of silica to alumina (SiO2/Al2O3), specific surface area, size, and porosity, must be considered to understand the reaction mechanism of phenol removal. Ultimately, recommendations for future research related to the application of catalytic ozonation technology using a zeolite-based catalyst for phenol removal are also described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zeolite Catalysts)
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