Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Article number | 118376 |
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark> | 25/10/2021 |
<mark>Journal</mark> | Applied Catalysis A: General |
Volume | 627 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Publication Status | Published |
Early online date | 13/10/21 |
<mark>Original language</mark> | English |
Amorphous aluminophosphates are industrial catalysts that are active in aldol-type condensations, dehydration and alkylation. The intrinsic nature of the active sites present in these materials is poorly understood. Herein we report a comparative investigation of the catalytic active sites in amorphous and crystalline aluminophosphates (AFI topology) and their corresponding iron-containing analogues, employing Claisen-Schmidt condensation of acetophenone and benzaldehyde as the test reaction. Secondary porosity generated via the soft-templating approach in hierarchically-porous HP FeAlPO-5, and the presence of large mesopores in amorphous Am FeAlPO resulted in improved mass-transport and high conversion of carbonyls. The nature and concentration of the active acidic sites within these materials were characterized by pyridine-DRIFTS and propylamine-TPD studies and was shown to play a crucial role in the activation of carbonyl groups and better catalytic performance. Am FeAlPO(5) nearly outperformed HP FeAlPO-5, thus providing a promising alternative for expanding scope in industrial and pharmaceutical applications.