Probing the Interactions between Cresol Isomers and Brønsted Acid sites for Biomass Conversion using Zeolites

The purpose of this proposal is to gather INS spectra of p- and m-cresol (chosen as they exhibit the largest difference in molecular dimension) upon adsorption into HZSM5 (Si/Al = 10.5, 140), HY (Si/Al = 2.55, 40), and HBEA (Si/Al =12.5, 180). Data gathered will illustrate the influence of trends in zeolite acidity, pore size, and molecular shape on the interaction between cresols and Brønsted sites. The study will not only help direct the optimisation of future catalysts but also help to parameterise classical models, all of which will play a key role in future processes pertaining to biomass utilisation.