CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LI-1-XHXALO2 SYSTEM - 0.00 LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO X LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO 0.90

The mechanism of cation replacement in the Li(1-x)H(x)AlO2; 0.00 less-than-or-equal-to x less-than-or-equal-to 0.90 system was investigated with XRD. Examination of the peak position and intensity associated with the 018 and 110 Bragg reflections (R3BARm) in a series of partially replaced samples showed that the cation replacement process proceeded by a two phase mechanism. Catalytic characterization of alpha-LiAlO2 with the 2-propanol probe reaction revealed the formation of the condensation products methyl-cyclopentene, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and 4-methyl-2-pentanol. These products were seen in addition to propylene and acetone. Catalytic characterization of Li(1-x)H(x)AlO2; x = 0.90 with 2-propanol showed a significant decrease in condensation activity and no change in the propylene/acetone ratio relative to alpha-LiAlO2. This suggests that the decrease in the amount of lithium eliminated the basic sites necessary for the condensation reactions.