1. Green synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks and their evaluation for ▫$CO_2$▫ capture in humid conditions : dissertationAljaž Škrjanc, 2024, doktorska disertacija Opis: Emissions of green-house gasses have been in the forefront of scientific research in recent decades. One of the approaches towards reducing the amount of green gas CO2 in the atmosphere is its capture and storage with subsequent conversion where pure enough CO2 can be regenerated. While CO2 capture widely utilizes two mature technologies, amine absorption and cryogenic distillation, they both have significant downsides, in either cost or potential new danger to the environment. To that end an adsorption-based CO2 capture has seen quite a lot of interest in recently. Nanoporous materials have been extensively studied for this application, starting with zeolites, followed by aluminophosphates and also the new members of the porous materials group, the so called reticular porous materials. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), the first discovered reticular porous materials have shown very promising results for post combustion CO2 capture and recently also for in-door and direct air capture. MOFs are in general enough thermally stable for CO2 capture, their main weakness for wide applicability is sometimes lower selectivity for CO2 in real gas mixtures and lower stability in humid conditions.
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a subgroup of MOFs, have in recent years been extensively studied for sorption applications, also CO2, due to their superior stability and kinetics for vapour/gas adsorption if compared to carboxylate-based MOFs. While extensively studied, an overview of articles shows that most research is limited to a limited set group of frameworks, with ZIF-8 being used in more than half of ZIF papers. While ZIF-8 has successfully been prepared in water and even in solvent-free conditions, the rest of the ZIFs synthesis still heavily rely on solvothermal synthesis with formamide based solvent systems and synthesis times upwards of 5 days. Even in the case of ZIF-8, while greener synthesis approaches are available, dimethylformamide (DMF) synthesis still prevails in the cases tested for CO2 capture, mainly due to the increased CO2 uptake resulting from the synergistic contribution of the remaining DMF solvent in the pores.
The goal of this thesis was to develop green synthesis approaches, both solvothermal and mechanochemical, for known ZIFs and then to extend the scope towards preparation of new ZIF materials. The goal for latter was to experimentally determine the optimal topology and functionality of ZIFs for CO2 adsorption in humid conditions. Model humid gas isotherms were developed and measured for a series of ZIFs with mostly SOD (sodalite) and RHO framework topologies and Zn and Ni as metal nodes. Finally, some novel bio-based binder materials were tested for the use with ZIFs.
The sorption tests revealed than the SOD topology ZIFs have high potential for CO2 sorption applications, as the adsorption is rapid and further combination of terminally functionalised imidazoles in those frameworks drastically increases the frameworks affinity for CO2 at lower pressures. With most common 4,5- functionalised imidazole having hydrophilic functional groups, the challenge of competitive water sorption still remains. On the other hand some hydrophobic 4,5-substituted sodalite ZIFs, both with 4,5-dichloroimidazole, show excellent CO2 sorption and even complete hydrophobicity. The results led us to hypothesize that further research on ZIFs- for CO2 capture has to shift form 2 substituted sodalite frameworks to 4,5 substituted frameworks with strongly dipolar hydrophobic groups. The hydrophilic polar groups currently in use lead to issues with competitive water adsorption, due to their potential to form hydrogen bonds with water. Furthermore, some new agar and alginate based shaping methods were tested, as both potential binders are not environmentally toxic and are already used on the industrial scale world-wide for other applications. Ključne besede: carbon capture, synthesis, metal-organic frameworks, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, nanoporous materials, dissertations Objavljeno v RUNG: 10.09.2024; Ogledov: 715; Prenosov: 21 Celotno besedilo (15,56 MB) |
2. XAS analysis of bifunctional Ni/ZSM-5 catalystsIztok Arčon, Hue-Tong Vu, Goran Dražić, Janez Volavšek, Gregor Mali, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Nataša Novak Tušar, 2024, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Opis: In a bifunctional Ni/ZSM-5 zeolite type catalyst, catalytic properties are usually tuned via varying Al
and Ni contents [1]. Here we present a systematic structural study of the Ni/ZSM-5 materials by Ni
K-edge XANES and EXAFS analyses, to monitor the changes of local structure and chemical state
of Ni species in the catalysts as a function of Al and Ni content. A series of Ni/ZSM-5 type zeolites
with different Al to Si and Ni to Si molar ratios were synthesized by a “green”, template free technique
[2]. With a combination of XAS, XRD and TEM we resolved the changes in the local environment
of Ni species induced by the different Al contents in the
Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts.
Ni species in Ni/ZSM-5 exist as NiO nanocrystals and as
charge compensating Ni2+ cations. The Ni K-edge
XANES and EXAFS results enabled the quantification
of Ni-containing species. At a low Al to Si ratio (nAl/nSi
< 0.04), the NiO nanoparticles predominate in the
samples and account for over 65% of Ni phases.
However, NiO is outnumbered by Ni2+ cations attached
to the zeolite framework in ZSM-5 with a high Al to Si
ratio (nAl/nSi = 0.05) due to a higher number of
framework negative charges imparted by Al. The
obtained results show that the number of highly reducible
and active NiO nanocrystals is strongly correlated with
the framework Al sites present in Ni/ZSM-5 zeolites. Ključne besede: Ni EXAFS, XANES Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst Objavljeno v RUNG: 05.07.2024; Ogledov: 912; Prenosov: 3 Povezava na datoteko Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Insight into the interdependence of Ni and Al in bifunctional Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts by Ni K-edge XAS analysisIztok Arčon, Hue-Tong Vu, Goran Dražić, Janez Volavšek, Gregor Mali, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Nataša Novak Tušar, 2023, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Opis: Catalyst design is crucial for improving catalytic activity and product selectivity. In a bifunctional Ni/ZSM-5
zeolite type catalyst, catalytic properties are usually tuned via varying Al and Ni contents [1]. While changes in
acid properties associated with Al sites are usually closely investigated, Ni phases, however, receive inadequate
attention. Herein, we present a systematic structural study of Ni in the Ni/ZSM-5 materials by Ni K-edge
XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) and EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) analyses,
to monitor the local structure and chemical state of Ni species in the catalysts. In combination with XRD and
TEM we resolved the changes in the local environment of Ni species induced by the different Al contents of
the parent ZSM-5 prepared by a “green”, template free technique [2].
Ni species in Ni/ZSM-5 exist as NiO crystals (3–50 nm) and as charge compensating Ni2+ cations. The Ni Kedge
XANES and EXAFS results enabled the quantification of Ni-containing species. At a low Al to Si ratio
(nAl/nSi < 0.04), the NiO nanoparticles predominate in the samples and account for over 65% of Ni phases.
However, NiO is outnumbered by Ni2+ cations attached to the zeolite framework in ZSM-5 with a high Al to Si
ratio (nAl/nSi = 0.05) due to a higher number of framework negative charges imparted by Al. The obtained
results show that the number of highly reducible and active NiO crystals is strongly correlated with the
framework Al sites present in ZSM-5 zeolites, which depend greatly on the synthesis conditions. Therefore,
this kind of study is beneficial for any further investigation of the catalytic activities of Ni/ZSM-5 and other
metal-modified bifunctional catalysts. Ključne besede: Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts, Ni EXAFS, XANES Objavljeno v RUNG: 19.09.2023; Ogledov: 1768; Prenosov: 5 Povezava na datoteko Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Multicomponent Cu-Mn-Fe silica supported catalysts to stimulate photo-Fenton-like water treatment under sunlightAndraž Šuligoj, Ivalina Trendafilova, Ksenija Maver, Albin Pintar, Alenka Ristić, Goran Dražić, Wael H. M. Abdelraheem, Zvonko Jagličić, Iztok Arčon, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Nataša Novak Tušar, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: Magnetic catalyst, Photocatalyst, Water treatment, Sunlight, Contaminants of emerging concern, Photo-Fenton-like systems, Cu, Mn, Fe, XANES, EXAFS Objavljeno v RUNG: 06.07.2023; Ogledov: 2530; Prenosov: 9 Celotno besedilo (4,32 MB) |
5. Winning combination of Cu and Fe oxide clusters with an alumina support for low-temperature catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compoundsTadej Žumbar, Iztok Arčon, Petar Djinović, Giuliana Aquilanti, Gregor Žerjav, Albin Pintar, Alenka Ristić, Goran Dražić, Janez Volavšek, Gregor Mali, Margarita Popova, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Nataša Novak Tušar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: A γ-alumina support functionalized with transition metals is one of the most widely used industrial catalysts for the total oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as air pollutants at higher temperatures (280−450 °C). By rational design of a
bimetal CuFe-γ-alumina catalyst, synthesized from a dawsonite alumina precursor, the activity in total oxidation of toluene as a model VOC at a lower temperature (200−380
°C) is achieved. A fundamental understanding of the catalyst and the reaction mechanism is elucidated by advanced microscopic and spectroscopic characterizations as well as by temperature-programmed surface techniques. The nature of the metal−support bonding and the optimal abundance between Cu−O−Al and Fe−O−Al species in the catalysts leads to synergistic catalytic activity promoted by small amounts of iron (Fe/Al = 0.005).
The change in the metal oxide−cluster alumina interface is related to the nature of the
surfaces to which the Cu atoms attach. In the most active catalyst, the CuO6 octahedra are
attached to 4 Al atoms, while in the less active catalyst, they are attached to only 3 Al atoms. The oxidation of toluene occurs via the Langmuir−Hinshelwood mechanism. The presented material introduces a prospective family of low-cost and scalable oxidation catalysts with superior efficiency at lower temperatures. Ključne besede: Iron oxide clusters, copper oxide clusters, alumina support, synergistic effect, low-temperature total catalytic oxidation, toluene, Cu, Fe XANES, EXAFS Objavljeno v RUNG: 06.07.2023; Ogledov: 2727; Prenosov: 27 Celotno besedilo (11,05 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Insight into the interdependence of Ni and Al in bifunctional Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts at the nanoscaleHue-Tong Vu, Iztok Arčon, Danilo Oliveira de Souza, Simone Pollastri, Goran Dražić, Janez Volavšek, Gregor Mali, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Nataša Novak Tušar, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Catalyst design is crucial for improving catalytic activity and product selectivity. In a bifunctional Ni/ZSM-5
zeolite type catalyst, catalytic properties are usually tuned via varying Al and Ni contents. While changes in
acid properties associated with Al sites are usually closely investigated, Ni phases, however, receive
inadequate attention. Herein, we present a systematic structural study of Ni in the Ni/ZSM-5 materials by
using Ni K-edge XANES and EXAFS analyses, complemented by XRD and TEM, to resolve the changes in
the local environment of Ni species induced by the different Al contents of the parent ZSM-5 prepared
by a “green”, template free technique. Ni species in Ni/ZSM-5 exist as NiO crystals (3–50 nm) and as
charge compensating Ni2+ cations. The Ni K-edge XANES and EXAFS results enabled the quantification
of Ni-containing species. At a low Al to Si ratio (nAl/nSi # 0.04), the NiO nanoparticles predominate in
the samples and account for over 65% of Ni phases. However, NiO is outnumbered by Ni2+ cations
attached to the zeolite framework in ZSM-5 with a high Al to Si ratio (nAl/nSi ¼ 0.05) due to a higher
number of framework negative charges imparted by Al. The obtained results show that the number of
highly reducible and active NiO crystals is strongly correlated with the framework Al sites present in
ZSM-5 zeolites, which depend greatly on the synthesis conditions. Therefore, this kind of study is
beneficial for any further investigation of the catalytic activities of Ni/ZSM-5 and other metal-modified
bifunctional catalysts. Ključne besede: Ni/ZSM-5 catalysts, zeolite, Ni XANES, EXAFS Objavljeno v RUNG: 11.05.2022; Ogledov: 2535; Prenosov: 50 Celotno besedilo (1,25 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Removal of copper from aqueous solutions with zeolites and possible treatment of exhaust materialsNataša Zabukovec Logar, Iztok Arčon, Janez Kovač, Margarita Popova, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The mechanism of Cu2+ loading into commercially available natural HEU-type and synthetic LTA-type zeolites for their
possible use in environmental processes, such as water and air treatment applications, was studied. Elemental analysis,
SEM/EDXS, XRD, XAS and XPS analyses revealed 4-fold coordination of Cu2+ cations with oxygen atoms in the pores, a
predominant location of copper atoms on the surface of crystallites and retained crystallinity of zeolites throughout the
processes. The post-treatment of Cu2+-loaded samples with HCl and/or NaCl solutions confirmed the predominantly
reversible sorption of copper on zeolites from aqueous solutions by ion-exchange mechanism and, therefore, excellent
regeneration possibilities for both types of zeolites. Furthermore, with the calcination of exhaust metal-loaded zeolites,
catalysts for total toluene oxidation reaction, as a model VOC pollutant, were obtained. Ključne besede: Cu2+ ion exchange, Total toluene oxidation, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Zeolite Objavljeno v RUNG: 03.06.2021; Ogledov: 2711; Prenosov: 154 Povezava na celotno besedilo Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Structural and CO [sub] 2 capture properties of ethylenediamine-modified HKUST-1 metal-organic frameworkNika Vrtovec, Matjaž Mazaj, Gianpiero Buscarino, Angela Terracina, S. Agnello, Iztok Arčon, Janez Kovač, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: functionalization, modification, adsorption, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, materials Objavljeno v RUNG: 17.10.2020; Ogledov: 3484; Prenosov: 0 |
9. Study of water adsorption on EDTA dealuminated zeolite YO. L. Pliekhov, Olena Pliekhova, Iztok Arčon, Federica Bondino, Elena Magnano, Gregor Mali, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Zeolite Y was synthesized and modified with EDTA dealumination procedure. The modified zeolites were
analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, chemical analysis and water adsorption measurements.
We demonstrated that dealumination with bulk organic acid such as EDTA is able to reduce the
original intense water affinity. Furthermore, it was found that dealumination with EDTA, in contrast with
steaming and HCl dealumination, provides fully controllable, predictable and secure process of Al removal from
the zeolites’ frameworks. The shift of the adsorption isotherm in the low partial pressure range represents an
interesting result for adsorption-based applications. Ključne besede: Zeolite Y
Water sorption
Dealumination
Al XANES
EDTA treatment Objavljeno v RUNG: 05.06.2020; Ogledov: 3834; Prenosov: 0 Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. New Insights into Manganese Local Environment in MnS-1NanocrystalsAlenka Ristić, Matjaž Mazaj, Iztok Arčon, Nina Daneu, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Roger Glaser, Nataša Novak Tušar, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Manganese plays an important role in redox catalysis using zeolites as inorganic support materials, but the formation of the preferred redox manganese species (framework or extraframework) is still not well understood. Herein, the influence of the amount of manganese together with conventional and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis paths on the formation of manganese species within the zeolite silicalite-1 (S-1) with MFI structure was investigated. It was found out that both synthesis procedures led to the formation of framework and extraframework manganese species, but in different molar ratios. However, the conventional synthesis procedure with all Mn/Si molar ratios generates more framework Mn in comparison to the microwave procedure. Additionally, the diminution of the zeolite crystals to nanoscale from 100 to 200 nm was achieved via the conventional procedure for the first time. UV–vis, Raman, and X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses revealed different local environments of manganese: Mn3+ incorporated into the silicalite-1 framework as “framework manganese” and Mn2+/3+ present as “extraframework manganese” (Mn2O3, Mn3O4). TEM reveals the presence of Mn3O4 nanorods. Both framework manganese and extraframework manganese exhibit good catalytic activity for styrene epoxidation. Catalytic results suggest that, in oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons, framework manganese is more active at lower Mn contents (Mn/Si < 0.015), whereas extraframework manganese is more active at higher loadings (Mn/Si > 0.015). Ključne besede: MnS-1 Nanocrystals, Mn XANES, EXAFS, zeolites, microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis Objavljeno v RUNG: 06.05.2019; Ogledov: 4230; Prenosov: 0 Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |