Evaluation of the secondary pore structure of hydrothermally- and acid-treated faujasite type zeolites

With regard to H-Y type zeolites dealuminated by hydrothermal and acid treatments, their physical properties were characterized by measurements of Si-29- and Al-27-MAS-NMR, IR, and X-ray diffraction. The secondary pores were quantitatively analyzed by the t-plot method for nitrogen adsorption isotherm at liquid nitrogen temperature and were then compared with the results of samples dealuminated by SiCl4 treatment. The plateau region of the nitrogen adsorption isotherm diminished as hydrothermal and acid treatments proceeded, with the result that the shape of the t-plot changed to that of three straight sections. This t-plot shape suggested that the secondary pores with relatively consistent sizes could develop with the progress of the treatment. On the other hand, SiCl4 treatment was found to produce less secondary pores than hydrothermal and acid treatments. The surface area of micropores calculated from the t-plots gave a considerably higher value than values obtained from the BET equation and from that calculated geometrically. This is attributable to the micropore filling effect.