Though well-recognized, the molecular-level understanding of the multifunctional roles of amines in the condensation of polysilicic acids, which is one of the key processes in hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites, is still limited. Taking ethylamine as a prototype, we investigated the mechanism of polysilicic acid condensation in the existence of organic amines in aqueous solution with extensive first-principles-based calculations. Because of the high proton affinity, ethylamine exists as amine silicates and alters the subsequent condensation mechanisms from a 1-step lateral attack mechanism accompanied with simultaneous intermolecular proton transfer in neutral aqueous solution to a 2-step SN2-like mechanism. Specifically, the 5-coordinated Si species that were not observed on pathways of condensation in neutral solution are effectively stabilized by the ethylamine cations as intermediates, and the barriers for condensation of ortho-silicic acid are significantly reduced from 133 kJ/mol in neutral solution to 58 and 63 kJ/mol for formation of the 5-coordinated Si intermediate and proton transfer for water release, respectively. Similar variations of mechanisms and barriers for condensation were also observed in the formation of cyclic trimers as well as linear and cyclic tetramers of ortho-silicic acids. Based on these, it was proposed that apart from acting as structure-directing agents, pore fillers, and pH adjusters, organic amines can also function as promoters in the condensation of polysilicic acids.
© 2021 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.