Solid-state NMR for metal-containing zeolites: from active sites to reaction mechanism

Metal-containing zeolite catalysts have found a wide range of applications in heterogeneous catalysis. To understand the nature of metal active sites and the reaction mechanism over such catalysts is of great importance for the establishment of structure-activity relationship. The advanced solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy is robust in the study of zeolites and zeolite-catalyzed reactions. In this review, we summarize recent developments and applications of SSNMR for exploring the structure and property of active sites in metal-containing zeolites. Moreover, detailed information on host-guest interactions in the relevant zeolite catalysis obtained by SSNMR is also discussed. Finally, we highlight the mechanistic understanding of catalytic reactions on metal-containing zeolites based on the observation of key surface species and active intermediates.