Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ZeoPoreDiff (Linking Zeolite Porosity to Molecular Diffusion at the Single Crystal Level)
Reporting period: 2017-07-01 to 2019-06-30
Second, confocal fluorescence microscopy has been employing for capturing the dynamics of pore formation in real-time during the process. By staining the pores with fluorescent molecules, the pores could be visualized and their evolution monitored in live. Pore formation starts at the crystal surface and propagates towards the crystal core. The mechanism of pore formation can thus be defined as a initiation-propagation mechanism, triggered at the crystal edges. Finally, a clear structural correlation in the position of pore formation is observed between X-ray scattering and fluorescence microscopy, corroborating the results with both techniques.
While this is a fundamental science project aimed at further understanding the underlying mechanisms of nanopore formation in zeolites, the materials studied are of high value to society, and especially for developing more sustainable technologies. Specifically, the catalysts are essential for the methanol to hydrocarbons process, which can use renewable or non-renewable feedstocks to produce high demand chemical feedstocks, as well as automotive emissions reduction catalysts, vital to clean air. This is therefore directly in line with European policy objectives and strategies and will be essential for the competitiveness of the European chemical industry and economy.