Single and dual cation sites in zeolites: theoretical calculations and FTIR spectroscopic studies on CO adsorption on K-FER.

Interaction of CO with K-FER zeolite was investigated by a combination of variable-temperature IR spectroscopy and computational study. Calculations were performed using omega(CO)/r(CO) correlation method in combination with a periodic density functional theory model. On the basis of agreement between experimental and calculated results, the following carbonyl complexes were identified: (i) mono- and dicarbonyl C-down complexes on single K(+) sites characterized by IR absorption bands at 2163 and 2161 cm(-1), respectively; (ii) complexes formed by CO bridging two K(+) ions separated by about 7-8 A (dual sites) characterized by a band at 2148 cm(-1); and (iii) isocarbonyl (O-down) complexes characterized by a band at 2116 cm(-1). The bridged carbonyl complexes on dual K(+) sites are about 5 kJ/mol more stable than monodentate (monocarbonyl) CO complexes. The C-O stretching frequency of monocarbonyl species in K-FER depends on K(+) location in the zeolite, and not on K(+) coordination to the framework. A combination of theoretical calculations using a periodic density functional model and experimental results showed formation of two types of monocarbonyls. The most abundant type appears at 2163 cm(-1), and the less abundant one at 2172 cm(-1). These experimentally determined wavenumber values coincide, within +/-2 cm(-1), with those derived from theoretical calculations.

FTIR spectroscopic and computational studies on hydrogen adsorption on the zeolite Li-FER.

The interaction, at a low temperature, between molecular hydrogen and the zeolite Li-FER was studied by means of variable temperature infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations using a periodic DFT model. The adsorbed dihydrogen molecule becomes infrared active, giving a characteristic IR absorption band (H-H stretching) at 4090 cm(-1). Three different Li(+) site types with respect to H(2) adsorption were found in the zeolite, two of which adsorb H(2). Calculations showed a similar interaction energy for these two sites, which was found to agree with the experimentally determined value of standard adsorption enthalpy of DeltaH(0) = -4.1 (+/-0.8) kJ mol(-1). The results are discussed in the broader context of previously reported data for H(2) adsorption on Na-FER and K-FER.

Combined theoretical and FTIR spectroscopic studies on hydrogen adsorption on the zeolites Na-FER and K-FER.

The interaction between molecular hydrogen and the alkali-metal-exchanged zeolites Na-FER and K-FER at a low temperature was investigated by combining variable-temperature infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations by using a periodic DFT model. The experimentally determined values of standard adsorption enthalpy, DeltaH degrees , were -6.0 (+/-0.8) and -3.5 (+/-0.8) kJ mol(-1) for Na-FER and K-FER, respectively. These results were found to be in agreement with corresponding DeltaH degrees values obtained from calculations on the periodic model. Two types of alkali-metal cation sites in FER were found: channel intersection sites and channel wall sites. Calculations showed a similar interaction energy for both site types, and similar structures of adsorption complexes. Up to two dihydrogen molecules can be physisorbed on the alkali-metal cation located on the intersection of two channels, while only one H2 molecule is physisorbed on the cation at the channel wall site. The adsorption enthalpies of H2 on alkali-metal-exchanged FER are significantly smaller than those found previously for the MFI-type zeolites Na-ZSM-5 and K-ZSM-5, which is likely due to a difference in the alkali-metal cation coordination in the two zeolite frameworks.