Encapsulation of gases in h-mordenite modified with silane and diborane

Abstract

Pore closure of zeolites has been achieved by the chemical reaction of silane and/or diborane with the hydroxyl groups in the zeolite structure, followed by oxidation of the chemisorbed BH or SiH groups with H₂O or other molecules such as CH₃OH, resulting in a modification to the zeolite which changes its sorption properties. This has led to the successful encapsulation of noble gases in H-mordenites under ‘normal’ conditions of pressure and temperature. Thermal stability up to 473–573 K has been achieved. Krypton encapsulates have been tested for their stability against water, acids, mechanical grinding and γ-irradiation and no significant influence of such treatments on the stability has been observed.