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Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Ge,Al-ZSM-5 Made in Alkaline Media

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry C
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jp8097457· OSTI ID:980596

The synthesis and characterization of a series of Ge,Al-ZSM-5 samples made in hydroxide media is reported. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate there is a germanium-rich overlayer on these crystals. Electron microscopy results validate this conclusion, and also indicate that the aluminum distribution through the samples is uniform. While powder X-ray diffraction does not reveal the presence of an impurity, the nitrogen adsorption isotherms show a reduced nitrogen uptake before the surface overlayer material is removed. The crystal size and the germanium uptake appear to correlate strongly with pH, as lower pH values lead to higher germanium uptake and larger crystal size. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates that the germanium is tetrahedrally coordinated in the zeolite framework, and that GeO2 is not present in these samples after they have been ion exchanged with sodium nitrate solutions. This work highlights some of the complexities involved in characterizing zeolite crystals with multiple heteroatoms and verifying that the materials are in fact phase pure.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
Doe - Office Of Science
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
980596
Report Number(s):
BNL-93514-2010-JA; TRN: US201015%%1981
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Vol. 113; ISSN 1932-7447
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English