EPR of trans-stilbene radical cations formed in zeolite cavities: a new approach to study the zeolite void space

Abstract

trans-Stilbene was adsorbed in the cavities of H-ZSM-5, H-MOR and H-BEA zeolites, originating monomeric and dimeric radical cations that were studied by EPR spectroscopy. The H-BEA samples were pretreated at three progressively higher temperatures. Simulation of the spectra allowed the evaluation of the relative amounts of monomers and dimers. The nature, quantity and relative amount of monomeric and dimeric radical species were correlated to chemical and dimensional modifications of zeolite channels caused by the dealumination of the zeolite structure and extra-framework aluminium species formation.