Exploring surface silanols in mesoporous Na-LTA zeolite to enhance its catalytic activity in knoevenagel condensation by grafting amino groups

• Published in: Microporous and mesoporous materials Vol. 378; p. 113255
• Main Authors: da Silva, Juliana Floriano, Zapelini, Iago William, Ferracine, Edilene Deise da Silva, Mintova, Svetlana, Cardoso, Dilson
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Accessibility; Basicity; Grafting; Silanes; Silanols; Silanes; Accessibility; Basicity; Grafting; Silanols
• ISSN: 1387-1811; 1873-3093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2024.113255

Mesoporous Na-LTA zeolite was synthesized using the surfactant templating method with the organosilane surfactant [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] octadecyldimethylammonium chloride (TPOAC). The formation of mesopores not only improved the accessibility of the basic catalytic sites but also led to the formation of isolated external silanols. These silanols were used to anchor propylamine groups by reacting with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). The incorporation of propylamine groups in the mesoporous Na-LTA improved its catalytic activity in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction by 40 % due to the presence of extra basic catalytic sites from amino groups. The combination of mesopore generation and functionalization is an efficient strategy for enhancing the performance of Na-LTA zeolite in this reaction. [Display omitted] •Mesoporous Na-LTA zeolite was synthesized by TPOAC templated method.•The formation of mesopores provides a high concentration of external silanols.•Silanols were used to anchor propylamine groups, adding extra basic sites on the zeolite.•Increased accessibility and basicity of the catalyst enhanced its catalytic activity in the Knoevenagel condensation.