Diffusion of n-alkanes in zeolites: the benefit of observation over different length scales

Stefano Brandani (1) , Jürgen Caro (2) , Hervé Jobic (3) , Jörg Kärger (4) , Cordula Krause (4) , Reiner Staudt

1 UCL - University College of London [London]
2 Leibniz Universität Hannover=Leibniz University Hannover
3 IRC - Institut de recherches sur la catalyse
4 Leipzig University / Universität Leipzig

First results of an international research collaboration to study zeolitic diffusion are presented. By using a variety of experimental techniques, molecular diffusion paths are probed over different time and length scales. As host-guest systems the homologous series of n-alkanes in zeolites NaCaA and silicalite-1 have been selected. Since the diffusivities are found to be the smaller the longer are the diffusion paths covered during the experiments, the observed differences may be explained by the existence of transport resistances acting in addition to the intracrystalline zeolite bulk phase. In selective experiments, indications of such resistances are traced from the range of some 100 nm up to crystal dimensions.

Domaines: Environnement et Société; Catalyse

Stefano Brandani, Jürgen Caro, Hervé Jobic, Jörg Kärger, Cordula Krause, et al.. Diffusion of n-alkanes in zeolites: the benefit of observation over different length scales. Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, Elsevier, pp.981-987, 2007, ⟨10.1016/S0167-2991(07)80949-9⟩. ⟨hal-00254971⟩