Crystallization of SAPO-11 Molecular Sieves Prepared from Silicoaluminophosphate Gels Using Boehmites with Different Properties

In this article, we report the results of research the formation of silicoaluminophosphate gels under changing gel aging conditions and the influence of an aluminum source (boehmite), characterized by different properties. The samples of initial gels were characterized by XRF, X-ray diffraction, MAS NMR ²⁷Al and ³¹P, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Products of crystallization were characterized by XRF, X-ray diffraction, MAS NMR ²⁷Al and ³¹P, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂-physical adsorption, and IR spectroscopy with pyridine adsorption. It has been established that the chemical and phase composition of aging gels and the products of further crystallization is conditioned by the size of the crystals and the porous structure of boehmite. Methods of management the morphology and secondary porous structure of SAPO-11, including the hierarchical porous structure, are proposed based on the use of boehmits characterized by different properties and changing the aging conditions of the initial gels. SAPO-based catalyst with a hierarchical porous structure showed excellent catalytic performance in dimerization of α-methylstyrene with a high degree of conversion and selectivity for linear isomers.