Catalytic properties of synthetic faujasites modified with fluoride anions

Abstract

Zeolite HAl–Y was modified by treatment with an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride followed by calcination. Crystallinity was preserved in samples containing Al in large cavities. Fluorination brings about an increase in catalytic activity for cumene cracking, which is probably due to the interaction between the acidic structural hydroxy groups and AlF₃ or other Al–F species created in the intracrystalline structure of the zeolite.