Probing the surface of nanosheet H-ZSM-5 with FTIR spectroscopyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: FTIR spectra of H-ZSM-5 of conventional dimensions: Dehydrated and with H2, CO and collidine adsorbed. See DOI: 10.1039/c3cp51280k

• Main Authors: Lnstad Bleken, Bjrn-Tore, Mino, Lorenzo, Giordanino, Filippo, Beato, Pablo, Svelle, Stian, Lillerud, Karl Petter, Bordiga, Silvia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1463-9076; 1463-9084
• DOI: 10.1039/c3cp51280k

Herein we report FTIR in situ adsorption of molecular hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water, methanol, pyridine and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (collidine) on nanosheet H-ZSM-5 which was recently studied in the methanol to hydrocarbons (MTH) reaction. The nature of the hydroxyl groups and surface species are described in detail. The IR spectrum of nanosheet H-ZSM-5 is dominated by silanols, which saturate the external surfaces. The acidity of Si(OH)Al is comparable to that observed in the case of standard microcrystalline H-ZSM-5. The study of the external surface allows the recognition of Si(OH)Al species located at the channel entrance, which are mostly all accessible to hindered molecules such as collidine. FTIR in situ adsorption of molecular hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water, methanol, pyridine and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (collidine) on nanosheet H-ZSM-5 is reported.