Abstract
ZSM-5, a prominent member of the new generation of high silica zeolites, is a potential catalyst. The activity of ZSM-5 type synthetic zeolites with respect to acid-catalysed reactions is a linear function of the Al content1 which can assume extremely low values, but in catalytic applications is typically 1–3 Al per unit cell containing 96 Si+Al atoms. We now present substantial evidence that the Al distribution in ZSM-5 crystals is non-uniform. We first noted zoning of Al in ZSM-5 when examining scanning X-ray micrographs (Al Kα) of 50 µm crystals. The comparatively large crystals necessary for detailed measurements of Al concentration profiles using electron probe analysis suggest that Al is invariably concentrated in the rim portion of the crystals. No comparable zoning has been reported previously for zeolites.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Olson, D. H., Haag, W. O. & Lago, R. M. J. Catal. 61, 390–396 (1980).
Argauer, R. J. & Landolt, G. R. U. S. Patent. 3, 702, 886 (1972).
Kokotailo, G. T., Lawton, S. L., Olson, D. H. & Meier, W. M. Nature 272, 437–438 (1978).
Kokotailo, G. T. & Meier, W. M. Chem. Soc. Spec. Publ. 33, 133–139 (1980).
Wu, E. L. et al. J. phys. Chem. 83, 2777–2781 (1979).
Olson, D. H., Kokotailo, G. T., Lawton, S. L. & Meier, W. M. J. phys. Chem. (submitted).
von Ballmoos, R. thesis, ETH Zurich (1981).
Flanigen, E. M. et al. Nature. 271, 512–516 (1978).
Weeks, T. J. & Passoja, D. E. Clays Clay Miner. 25, 211–213 (1977).
Rinaldi, R., Smith, J. V. & Jung, G. Neuses Jb. Miner. Mh. 433–443 (1975).
Smith, J. V. Feldspar Minerals Vol. 2, 206–247 (Springer, Berlin, 1974).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
von Ballmoos, R., Meier, W. Zoned aluminium distribution in synthetic zeolite ZSM-5. Nature 289, 782–783 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/289782a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/289782a0
This article is cited by
-
Elemental zoning enhances mass transport in zeolite catalysts for methanol to hydrocarbons
Nature Catalysis (2023)
-
Time-resolved in situ visualization of the structural response of zeolites during catalysis
Nature Communications (2020)
-
Maximizing sinusoidal channels of HZSM-5 for high shape-selectivity to p-xylene
Nature Communications (2019)
-
Recent trends and fundamental insights in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons process
Nature Catalysis (2018)
-
Determining the location and nearest neighbours of aluminium in zeolites with atom probe tomography
Nature Communications (2015)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
