Abstract:

The decomposition of neopentane has been used as a probe reaction to test the acid strength of zeolites with different composition and framework structures. For a series of dealuminated HM zeolites, the acid strength increases first and then decreases as the Si/Al ratio of the zeolites is increased. The strongest acid strength appears at Si/Al ratio 8.1. For zeolites with different framework structure, the acid strength is in the order of HM>Hβ >HSY>HZSM-5≈HZSM-12. Changes in acid strength are discussed in relation to structural properties of the zeolites.

Key words: Neopentane reaction, Acidity of zeolite, Acid strength