Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Catalytic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 August 2025 | Viewed by 7704

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Guest Editor
Fakultät Chemie und Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 14, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; zeolites; micro/mesoporous aluminosilicates; microreactor systems; flow chemistry; green chemistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of the previous successful Special Issues, “Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials” and “Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials II”.

The regular pore system of zeolites, with cavities and nanometric channels, as well as the resulting characteristic properties, predestine them for wide use as catalysts in chemical technology. Over the past several decades, progress in zeolite synthesis enabled the discovery of new zeolite types, which allowed for the development of new catalytic processes in petrochemical industries. Moreover, new tools for zeolite modification have allowed for additional applications of zeolite-based catalysts in the field of environmental catalysis. The development of new mesoporous and micro/mesoporous or zeolite-like materials (e.g., metal–organic frameworks), as well as progress in computational chemistry and solid-state characterization techniques, demonstrated that the potential of ordered pore materials is still far from exhausted, and that further biocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and micro/nanostructure technology indicate increasing interest in this class of substances.

With great pleasure, I invite you to submit your manuscript to the Special Issue “Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition” to share developments and recent progress regarding the synthesis, characterization and application of zeolites or zeolite-like materials as catalysts.

Prof. Dr. Wladimir Reschetilowski
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • zeolites and zeolite-like materials
  • acid-base catalysis
  • bifunctional catalysis
  • environmental catalysis
  • biocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • photocatalysis
  • C1 chemistry
  • kinetic modeling of zeolite-catalyzed chemical reactions
  • computation in catalysis with ordered porous materials

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3861 KiB  
Article
Different Routes for the Hierarchization of *BEA Zeolite, Followed by Impregnation with Niobium and Application in Ethanol and 1-Propanol Dehydration
by Deborah da Silva Valadares, Willian Henrique Ribeiro de Carvalho, Ana Lívia Fernandes Fonseca, Guilherme de França Machado, Matheus Ramos Silva, Pablo Teles Aragão Campos, José Alves Dias and Sílvia Cláudia Loureiro Dias
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040340 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
This study examined the hierarchical structuring of *BEA zeolite using two distinct approaches: double aluminum removal with solid ammonium hexafluorosilicate (2x-AHFS) and a solution of 0.2 M sodium hydroxide followed by 0.5 M hydrochloric acid (T-NaOH). Additionally, niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5 [...] Read more.
This study examined the hierarchical structuring of *BEA zeolite using two distinct approaches: double aluminum removal with solid ammonium hexafluorosilicate (2x-AHFS) and a solution of 0.2 M sodium hydroxide followed by 0.5 M hydrochloric acid (T-NaOH). Additionally, niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) was impregnated at different loadings (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) onto the hierarchized materials. Both treatments increased the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio and produced crystals with domains of about the same size. The hierarchization methods generated secondary mesopores and reduced the micropores in the treated HB zeolite. The solid-state NMR analysis by 27Al and 29Si indicated that the 2x-AHFS treatment increased the hydrophobic character of the zeolite, while the treatment with NaOH/HCl resulted in a less hydrophobic material. A balanced quantity of Brønsted and Lewis sites was observed for all treated zeolites. Thus, these combined physicochemical characteristics of the new catalysts may explain their superior performance in the dehydration reactions. In the case of ethanol dehydration at 230 °C, the 20 wt.% Nb2O5 supported on the T-NaOH catalyst produced an 84% conversion and 86% selectivity for ethylene (EE), with 14% diethyl ether (DEE) as the only products. Conversely, in the 1-propanol dehydration reaction, the 20 wt.% Nb2O5 supported on 2x-AHFS achieved 99% conversion, producing 99% propene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 4274 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Kinetic Studies on the Conversion of Glucose to Levulinic Acid Catalyzed by Synergistic Cr/HZSM-5 in GVL/H2O Biphasic System
by Han Wu, Rui Zhang, Jiantao Li, Jing Chang, Zhihua Liu, Jiale Chen, Jian Xiong, Yina Qiao, Zhihao Yu and Xuebin Lu
Catalysts 2025, 15(2), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020162 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
In this paper, modified HZSM-5 catalysts with different ratios of chromium (Cr/HZSM-5) were synthesized and the solvent effect of gamma valerolactone (GVL) on the enhancement of levulinic acid (LA) yield was investigated. Characterization of the Cr/HZSM-5 catalyst revealed that the introduction of Cr [...] Read more.
In this paper, modified HZSM-5 catalysts with different ratios of chromium (Cr/HZSM-5) were synthesized and the solvent effect of gamma valerolactone (GVL) on the enhancement of levulinic acid (LA) yield was investigated. Characterization of the Cr/HZSM-5 catalyst revealed that the introduction of Cr did not change the structure of HZSM-5. The LA yield was increased from 42.5% (H2O solvent system) to 51.4% (GVL/H2O solvent system) under optimal conditions. The influence of GVL on the reaction mechanism was investigated through kinetic analysis, revealing that the incorporation of GVL reduces the activation energy barrier for the conversion of glucose to LA, thereby enhancing the glucose dehydration process. The effect of GVL on the product (LA) was studied, based on molecular dynamics. It was found that the addition of GVL squeezes the water in the solvent system into the second solvation shell layer, which causes GVL to distribute around the carbonyl, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups of LA, and reduces the likelihood of LA side reactions, thus increasing the yield of LA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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11 pages, 4919 KiB  
Communication
SiO2@Fe(III)-Based Metal–Organic Framework Core–Shell Microspheres for Water-Purification-Based Photo-Fenton Processes
by Kaihong Liu, Yuanli Zhu, Tanyu Cheng, Guohua Liu and Chunxia Tan
Catalysts 2025, 15(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15010023 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 687
Abstract
In this study, SiO2@MIL-88A(Fe) core–shell microspheres were successfully synthesized through a simple immobilization method for dye degradation via an MIL-88A(Fe)-mediated Fenton-like process. These microspheres were fabricated by in situ immobilizing MIL-88A(Fe) onto mesoporous organosilane spheres functionalized with -COOH groups. Structural analyses [...] Read more.
In this study, SiO2@MIL-88A(Fe) core–shell microspheres were successfully synthesized through a simple immobilization method for dye degradation via an MIL-88A(Fe)-mediated Fenton-like process. These microspheres were fabricated by in situ immobilizing MIL-88A(Fe) onto mesoporous organosilane spheres functionalized with -COOH groups. Structural analyses and characterizations confirmed the formation of well-defined MOF particles anchored on the silicate microspheres, with electron microscopy verifying their porous core–shell structure. The newly developed core–shell materials achieved a high degree of dye degradation, reaching up to 96% for 10 mg/L dye solutions in neutral aqueous conditions within 30 min at room temperature through the Fenton-like process. Furthermore, SiO2@MIL-88A(Fe) exhibited excellent stability and recyclability, maintaining its performance over at least seven reuse cycles with minimal loss of activity. This material is easy to synthesize as well as cost-effective and demonstrates significant potential for wastewater purification involving a range of four different dyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 1821 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of n-Butene via Dimethyl Ether-to-Olefin Reaction over P-Loaded Ferrierite Zeolites
by Toshiaki Hanaoka, Masaru Aoyagi and Yusuke Edashige
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120902 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 771
Abstract
In the dimethyl ether (DME)-to-olefin (DTO) reaction over 20 types of P-loaded ferrierite zeolites with different P loading amounts, the synthesis of n-butenes such as 1-butene, trans-2-butene, and cis-2-butene was investigated to maximize the n-butene yield by optimizing the [...] Read more.
In the dimethyl ether (DME)-to-olefin (DTO) reaction over 20 types of P-loaded ferrierite zeolites with different P loading amounts, the synthesis of n-butenes such as 1-butene, trans-2-butene, and cis-2-butene was investigated to maximize the n-butene yield by optimizing the P loading amount. The zeolites were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD). Micropore and external surface areas, total pore and micropore volumes, and weak and strong acids affected the DTO reaction’s characteristics. The P-loaded ferrierite zeolite with a P loading of 0.3 wt.% calcined at 500 °C exhibited an n-butene yield of 35.7 C-mol%, which exceeds the highest yield reported to date (31.2 C-mol%). Multiple regression analysis using the obtained data showed that the strong acid/weak acid ratio and total pore volume had a high correlation with the n-butene yield, with a contribution rate of 64.3%. Based on the multiple regression analysis results, the DTO reaction mechanism was discussed based on the proposed reaction model involving the dual-cycle mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 2920 KiB  
Article
Seeds Combining Pyrrolidine Control the Framework Al Distribution of FER Zeolite to Enhance Its Performance in the Skeletal Isomerization of n-Butene
by Jinlong Fan, Xuedong Zhu, Fan Yang, Yarong Xu and Lantian Chen
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100697 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1118
Abstract
FER zeolites have a unique framework structure and acid distribution, and are widely studied as a catalyst for reactions such as n-butene skeletal isomerization and dimethyl ether carbonylation. The Brönsted acid site (BAS) located in the 10-member ring (10-MR) of FER zeolites [...] Read more.
FER zeolites have a unique framework structure and acid distribution, and are widely studied as a catalyst for reactions such as n-butene skeletal isomerization and dimethyl ether carbonylation. The Brönsted acid site (BAS) located in the 10-member ring (10-MR) of FER zeolites serves as the active site for the isomerization reaction of skeletal n-butene to produce isobutene. This study prepared five types of FER zeolites using different methods: using pyrrolidine (PY) alone as a template; using Na-form FER as seeds (SN) or H-form FER as seeds without organic structure directing agents (OSDAs); and combining the seeds of SN or SH with PY as OSDAs. The differences in the structure and acid distribution of the five zeolites were investigated, as well as their catalytic performance for the skeletal isomerization of n-butene. Experiments and characterization results showed that under hydrothermal synthesis conditions, the FER-PY+SH zeolites synthesized by using both H-form zeolites seeds and pyridine exhibited the highest aluminum concentrations at T1 and T3 sites, along with the greatest BAS located in the 10-MR. This unique composition contributed to the highest selectivity of isobutene. The FER-PY+SH catalyst was continuously used for 720 h at 350 °C, 0.1 MPa, and an n-butene mass space velocity of 2.0 h−1 for three cycles of 2160 h. During this period, the conversion of n-butene was over 39%, while the selectivity of isobutene exceeded 95%. The FER-PY+SH catalyst exhibited excellent stability and activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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Review

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28 pages, 1545 KiB  
Review
Zeolite-Supported TiO2 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance in Environmental Applications: A Review
by Sanja J. Armaković and Stevan Armaković
Catalysts 2025, 15(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020174 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1154
Abstract
The combination of TiO2 with zeolites has emerged as a transformative strategy to enhance photocatalytic performance for environmental applications. The combination of zeolites’ regular pore structure, high surface area, and adsorption capacity with the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 allows synergistic effects, [...] Read more.
The combination of TiO2 with zeolites has emerged as a transformative strategy to enhance photocatalytic performance for environmental applications. The combination of zeolites’ regular pore structure, high surface area, and adsorption capacity with the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 allows synergistic effects, significantly improving the removal of organic pollutants and hazardous substances from water. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of TiO2–zeolite composites, focusing on their synthesis, structural characteristics, and photocatalytic mechanisms. Advances in the characterization of material and computational analysis are applied to explain the relationship between structure and catalytic activity. Environmental applications such as water purification and renewable energy production are critically evaluated, highlighting their potential for addressing pressing global challenges. The review also addresses key challenges, including material stability, scalability of synthesis methods, and cost-effectiveness, while presenting future perspectives for the development and application of TiO2–zeolite composites in sustainable catalysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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23 pages, 6949 KiB  
Review
A Mini-Review of Recent Progress in Zeolite-Based Catalysts for Photocatalytic or Photothermal Environmental Pollutant Treatment
by Shenhao Zhang, Le Xu, Jie Xu and Boxiong Shen
Catalysts 2025, 15(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020158 - 9 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1301
Abstract
Atmospheric and water pollution has led to serious harm to the global environment and human health. Photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis technologies have been considered as promising methods to handle pollutants in the atmosphere and water due to their energy savings and environmental friendliness. [...] Read more.
Atmospheric and water pollution has led to serious harm to the global environment and human health. Photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis technologies have been considered as promising methods to handle pollutants in the atmosphere and water due to their energy savings and environmental friendliness. Zeolite catalysts have been widely used in the field of photocatalytic and photothermal catalytic removal of environmental pollutants due to their well-developed pore structure, high stability, and tunable surface chemistry. In this review, we have elaborated the photocatalytic and photothermal catalytic mechanisms and summarized the recent progress in zeolite-based catalysts for photocatalytic or photothermal catalytic environmental pollutant treatment. In summary, it is found that the strategies of elemental doping and surface structure modification directly affect the adsorption performance of zeolite for target pollutants, and the construction of a bifunctional structure promotes the generation of intrinsic active species and photogenerated charge separation. Finally, the paper presents current challenges and perspectives on zeolite-based catalysts for photocatalytic and photothermal catalytic treatment of environmental pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 3428 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress and Strategies on the Design of Zeolite-Based Catalysts for Hydroformylation of Olefins
by Maria V. Nenasheva and Dmitry N. Gorbunov
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120942 - 20 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1158
Abstract
Due to their unique structural and mechanical characteristics, zeolites are of great interest as carriers for the design of catalysts. This review is focused on the progress in the development of new zeolite-based catalysts for hydroformylation. The procedures of materials synthesis and modification, [...] Read more.
Due to their unique structural and mechanical characteristics, zeolites are of great interest as carriers for the design of catalysts. This review is focused on the progress in the development of new zeolite-based catalysts for hydroformylation. The procedures of materials synthesis and modification, the methods of metal introduction, and the effect of the catalyst structure on the activity, selectivity, and stability of the hydroformylation catalysts are discussed. This review highlights the role of up-to-date analytical techniques in the development of fine-tuned active and selective hydroformylation catalysts. The greatest achievements over the past five years considered in detail in this review demonstrate a high potential of zeolite-based hydroformylation catalysts. Future prospects and possible directions of upcoming studies are regarded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis on Zeolites and Zeolite-Like Materials, 3rd Edition)
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