SOLID-STATE ION EXCHANGE IN ZEOLITES Part II. Alkaline Earth Chlorides/Mordenite

Solid-state ion exchange of protons of acidic and non-acidic OH groups for alkaline earth cations in mordenite-type zeolites was investigated by means of TGA, temperature-programmed evolution of gases, IR and in-situ IR/GC measurements. The solid-state ion exchange occurs in two stages, i.e. via a low-temperature and a high-temperature process. Replacement of the protons of the acidic OH groups by alkaline earth cations considerably decreases the activity of hydrogene mordenite for catalysing hydrocarbon reactions such as conversion of ethylbenzene. The catalytic activity is greatly restored by treatment with water vapor subsequent to solid-state ion exchange.