Physchem.cz

Project summary:

Due to molecular sieving effect, high adsorption capacity and adjustable chemical composition zeolites are efficient catalysts for a number of processes. However, there is still a lack of synthesis tools for generation of active centers of particular characteristics at particular location in the zeolite frameworks. In addition, there is a growing demand in the catalysts possessing several types of active sites that can be realized in zeolites. The rational design of multifunctional zeolitic materials for catalytic transformation of platform chemicals is an aim of proposed project.

The work will include

1. application of various synthetic techniques (hydrothermal synthesis, post-synthesis, ADOR) allowing fabrication of materials with desired nature and concentration of active sites;
2. advanced characterization of designed materials; and
3. their application for one-pot multistep (cascade) reactions required the presence of several types of active centers (Brønsted and Lewis acid, metal).

The proposed project is focused on the preparation of structurally and chemically diversified zeolites followed by thorough investigation of structure – functionality –activity relationship in a set of useful processes (transformation of furfuryl alcohol/furfural to γ-valerolactone; sucrose isomerization to hydroxymethylfurfural followed by its oxidation to furandicarboxylic acid; condensation of levulinic acid and furfural with further hydrogenation of intermediate product).