UV-Vis and FT-IR operando studies of methanol and ethanol transformation on zeolite HSSZ-13 - replication data

Catalysts that can convert low alcohols while achieving high yields under mild reaction conditions are in demand globally. Most solid acid catalysts examined for the MTH process focus on the commercially available SAPO-34 zeotype material. However, ZSM-5 has attracted more significant interest in studies of ethanol transformations, particularly regarding dehydration. Compared with the MTH outcome, chabazite-type catalysts have also been investigated for ETH. The chabazite framework facilitates the selective diffusion of generated light olefins via its narrow channels; nevertheless, the presence of expansive chabazite cages permits the formation of larger molecules, such as alkylated polyaromatic or polycyclic species, which are unable to leave. These deposits, primarily composed of coke, are largely accountable for the deactivation of the catalyst.
Various approaches were employed to monitor the alcohols reaction pathway, with operando mode spectroscopies such as IR and/or UV-Vis proved to be the most informative. The operando approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the reaction mechanism through frequent data collection, enabling the observation of sequential changes that intermediate species experience during the process. Additionally, by applying the multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR–ALS) spectral data analysis method, a deeper insight into reactions path is available.