Title:The Influence of Calcination on the Physicochemical Properties of Acidactivated Natural Mordenite
VOLUME: 9 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Sotiris Lycourghiotis, Dimitra Makarouni, Eleana Kordouli, Kyriakos Bourikas*, Christos Kordulis and Vassilis Dourtoglou*
Affiliation:School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, Tsamadou 13-15, GR-26222, Patras, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504, Patras, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504, Patras, School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, Tsamadou 13-15, GR-26222, Patras, School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, Tsamadou 13-15, GR-26222, Patras, VIORYL, Chemical and Agricultural Industry, Scientific Research S.A., 28th km. Athens-Lamia national road, GR-19014, Afidnes
Keywords:Natural mordenite, acid-activated mordenite, air-calcination, catalyst support, porosity, surface acidity.
Abstract:The influence of air–calcination (500oC for 2h) on the physicochemical properties of natural
mordenite and mordenite activated by aqueous solutions of several acids, has been studied through
various methods. Calcination does not affect the crystal structure of the samples and their fibrous and
pores morphology. In contrast, it causes a drastic decrease in the high Bronsted acidity of the acidactivated
samples, which was tentatively attributed to the partial destruction of the very strong Al–
(OH)–Si acid sites. The influence of calcination on the texture is different depending on the acidic solution
used for mordenite activation. The high specific surface area and the moderate acidity obtained
after calcination of the sample activated by HCl render this material quite attractive support for the
development of nickel supported catalysts for green diesel production.