In-situ imaging of reacting single-particle zeolites by non-linear optical microscopy

Zeolite catalysis has been exploited by the petrochemical industry since the 1940's for catalytic cracking reactions of long chain hydrocarbons. The selectivity of zeolites strongly depends on a pore size, which is controlled by the chosen structure-directing agent (SDA) and by the SDA decomposition/removal process. Although zeolites are composed of micron-sized crystals, studies of zeolite materials typically focus on bulk (i.e., ensemble) measurements to elucidate structure-function information or to optimize catalysts and/or process parameters. To examine these phenomena on the microscale, non-linear optical microscopy is used to provide real-time imaging of chemical reactions in zeolites at temperatures exceeding 400^°C. The template decomposition mechanism is studied, as elucidation of the mechanism is critical to understanding the relationship between the decomposition chemistry and the nanoscale features of the zeolite (topology, Si/Al ratio, added dopants). Forward stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), forward coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and epi two-photon fluorescence (TPF) modalities are acquired simultaneously providing video-rate structural and chemical information. A high-temperature cell with gas inlet system is used for the study of reactions under various temperatures and gas environments. Examining the decomposition process with single-particle resolution enables access to ensemble-level and spatially-resolved behavior. Parallel experiments on bulk zeolite powders are conducted to enable comparison of ensemble and single-particle behavior during template decomposition. Our multi-technique approach has high potential for gaining insight into the link between nanoscale structure and catalytic activity and selectivity of zeolitic materials.