Solid-state NMR Investigation of Zeolite Catalysts

Abstract

The transition toward sustainable chemical production necessitates highly efficient catalysts for both fossil fuel and biomass conversion. Zeolites, with their crystalline frameworks, tunable pore structures, and well-defined acid sites, offer unparalleled opportunities for selective catalysis in processes ranging from methanol-to-olefins (MTO) and methanol-to-aromatics (MTA) to fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and biomass upgrading. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) uniquely enables atomic-level insights into framework connectivity, acid site distribution, and host-guest interactions. This review systematically summarizes the application of various NMR methodologies for zeolite characterization, including probing Brønsted and Lewis acidity, framework topology, and porosity across diverse zeolite topologies. By highlighting these NMR-based strategies, the review provides a comprehensive guide for understanding structure-function relationships in zeolite catalysts and their rational design for sustainable chemical processes.

Keywords

Zeolite / Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance / Characterization

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