Metal Active Sites and Their Catalytic Functions in Zeolites: Insights from Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Zeolites are important heterogeneous catalysts widely used in the modern chemical and petrochemical industries. Metal-containing zeolites show distinct performance in the catalytic processes such as fluid catalytic cracking, activation and conversion of light alkanes, methanol-to-aromatics conversion, biomass transformation, and so on. The metal speciation, distribution, and interactions on zeolites have enormous impact on their property and catalytic performance. Significant efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of more active and selective zeolites by engineering the metal active sites. However, the nature of metal species and their role in the reactions are still poorly understood, which makes it difficult to establish the structure–activity relationship toward the rational design and application of zeolites. For example, synergic active sites are often present on the metal-containing zeolites, but their structure, property and quantification still remain to be resolved.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00125