Enabling the use of the large-pore three-dimensional microporous zinc aluminophosphate STA-1 for catalysis

A procedure to enable the use of the very open framework Zn-STA-1 as catalyst, based on in situ calcination in a water-free environment, has been developed. The material shows a remarkable performance in the m-xylene isomerization test reaction, comparable to that of USY zeolite. The reported experimental procedure avoids the collapse of the SAO structure upon calcination, which has prevented the use of this very open framework structure in catalytic applications, and provides a promising new microporous catalyst for processing bulky molecules.

Graphical abstractZn-STA-1: 12 × 12 MR, resists calcination. High activity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Enabling the use of aluminophosphate Zn-STA-1 as catalyst for the first time. ► The procedure is based on in situ calcination in a water-free environment. ► Avoids collapse of Zn-STA-1 upon calcination, which prevented its use as catalyst. ► Remarkable performance in m-xylene isomerisation reaction, comparable to USY zeolite. ► Very open framework material, potentially interesting for processing bulky molecules.