Dynamic evolution of HZSM-5 zeolite framework under steam treatment

Understanding the dynamic evolution of zeolite framework structures and the interactions between various hydroxyl groups or aluminum species under different steam conditions at the atomic scale is extremely crucial. Herein, using a series of characterization methods, the framework structures of HZSM-5 zeolites (Si/Al = 36) following exposure to steam in the temperature range of 100 to 500 °C are investigated. Under mild steam conditions (T ≤ 200 °C), dealumination is nearly absent, and the silanol nests directly condense to create new framework Si-O-Si bonds. Conversely, under severe steam conditions (T ≥ 300 °C), the framework tetrahedral aluminum atoms Al(IV)-1 can be sequentially converted to partially coordinated framework aluminum Al(IV)-2 and extra-framework aluminum (EFAL) through partial and complete hydrolysis, which cause an increase in the framework Si/Al ratio and a decrease in crystallinity. Al(IV)-2 is recognized as a significant intermediate species for framework complete dealumination. The Brønsted acid sites on Al(IV)-2 can be perturbed by the framework Al-OH groups due to hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to a shift in 1H chemical shifts to lower fields, appearing at 6.0-9.0 ppm and 12.0-15.0 ppm. The newly generated EFAL and silanol nests further evolve through condensation as well. Meanwhile, during dealumination, the spatial correlations (or interactions) of various hydroxyl groups on structurally distinct aluminum species Al(IV)-1, Al(IV)-2, and EFAL and aluminum species become extremely intricate. Based on these findings, the dynamic evolution path of HZSM-5 zeolite framework structures under mild and severe steam conditions is proposed.