A fourier-transform infrared and catalytic study of the evolution of the surface acidity of zirconium phosphate following heat treatment

Abstract
The surface acidity of zirconium phosphate at different stages of dehydration and heat treatments has been studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine, acetonitrile and acetone and by catalytic activity in the isomerization of but-1-ene. Brönsted-acidic surface POH and P(OH)2 groups are identified [v(OH)= 3670–3660 and 3600 cm–1, respectively] whose strength increases slightly on bulk dehydration. They are thought to be responsible for the activity in but-1-ene isomerization, which also increases during condensation to pyrophosphate. Lewis-acidic sites of medium-high strength have also been found, and responsible for the formation of chemisorbed forms of pyridine (v8a= 1610 cm–1), acetonitrile [v(CN) Fermi resonance doublet at 2322 and 2295 cm–1] and acetone [v(CO) 1684 cm–1]. Surface ZrOH groups are also detected on the layered ZrP2O7 surface. The results illustrate the role of exposed planes, both parallel and perpendicular to the layered structure.

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