Quasi all-silica zeolite obtained by isomorphous degermanation of an as-made germanium-containing precursor

Abstract

Ge-containing ITQ-22 zeolites have been almost completely degermanated under strong acidic conditions without modifications of the framework topology. Simultaneous to Ge extraction, the framework was partially dissolved; mesopores were formed but the structure was maintained through the re-incorporation of some of silicon species at vacant sites. The presence of many defects in the degermanated framework enabled the incorporation of tetrahedral aluminum, opening the way to the preparation of new and stable acid catalysts with original topologies.

Keywords: acid treatment; germanium; post-synthesis treatment; silicon; zeolites.