Fractal Extra-Framework Species in De-aluminated LaY Zeolites and Their Catalytic Activity

Lanthanum-containing Y (LaY) zeolites were prepared by ionic exchange from NaY parent zeolite. The LaY zeolites were de-aluminated by steaming. De-aluminated zeolites presented different Si/Al ratio. The physicochemical properties of these catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, pyridine and xenon adsorption, infrared spectroscopy and ²⁹Si, ²⁷Al, ¹²⁹Xe, ¹³⁹La solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, a fractal geometry approach was adopted to describe the evolution in the texture as a consequence of de-alumination. The catalytic properties of materials were evaluated in the n-hexane cracking reaction. The catalyst with the highest catalytic activity was the zeolite highest de-aluminated (Si/Al ratio of 3.7). Such performance was attributed on the one hand, to active extra-framework aluminum species hosted in the large cavities of zeolites and, on the other hand to redistribution of lanthanum species into the zeolite as a consequence of de-alumination.