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Title Octane isomer dynamics in H-ZSM-5 as a function of Si/Al ratio: a quasi-elastic neutron scattering study
ID_Doc 12736
Authors O'Malley, AJ; Sakai, VG; Dimitratos, N; Jones, W; Catlow, CRA; Parker, SF
Title Octane isomer dynamics in H-ZSM-5 as a function of Si/Al ratio: a quasi-elastic neutron scattering study
Year 2020
Published Philosophical Transactions Of The Royal Society A-Mathematical Physical And Engineering Sciences, 378.0, 2176
DOI 10.1098/rsta.2020.0063
Abstract Dynamical behaviour of n-octane and 2,5-dimethylhexane in H-ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts of differing Si/Al ratios (15 and 140) was probed using quasi-elastic neutron scattering, to understand molecular shape and BrOnsted acid site density effects on the behaviour of common species in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process, where H-ZSM-5 is an additive catalyst. Between 300 and 400K, n-octane displayed uniaxial rotation around its long axis. However, the population of mobile molecules was larger in H-ZSM-5(140), suggesting that the lower acid site concentration allows for more molecules to undergo rotation. The rotational diffusion coefficients were higher in H-ZSM-5(140), reflecting this increase in freedom. 2,5-dimethylhexane showed qualitative differences in behaviour to n-octane, with no full molecule rotation, probably due to steric hindrance in the constrictive channels. However, methyl group rotation in the static 2,5-dimethylhexane molecules was observed, with lower mobile fractions in H-ZSM-5(15), suggesting that this rotation is less hindered when fewer BrOnsted sites are present. This was further illustrated by the lower activation barrier calculated for methyl rotation in H-ZSM-5(140). We highlight the significant immobilizing effect of isomeric branching in this important industrial catalyst and show how compositional changes of the zeolite can affect a range of dynamical behaviours of common FCC species upon adsorption. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.
Author Keywords fluid catalytic cracking; zeolite; neutron; quasi-elastic neutron scattering; molecular mobility
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000549913400014
WoS Category Multidisciplinary Sciences
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics
PDF https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsta.2020.0063
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