Revealing Hidden Catalysts: Scientists Uncover Atomic-Scale Insights Into Zeolites

Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have advanced the analysis of zeolites using innovative 17O solid-state NMR techniques, revealing the intricate structures of hydroxyl groups and improving our understanding of their catalytic properties. This breakthrough could have wider applications in analyzing other complex materials.

Zeolites are extensively employed across various industries, yet the complete comprehension of their intrinsic catalytic properties remains elusive, largely due to the complexity of hydroxyl-aluminum moieties.

Atomic-scale analysis of local environments for the hydroxyl species is essential for revealing the intrinsic catalytic activity of zeolites and guiding the design of high-performance catalysts. However, many unfavorable factors prohibit the elucidation of their fine structures such as low quantity, meta-stable property, structural similarity, hydrogen-bonding environment, and long-range disordered nature.