Investigating the role of framework topology and accessible active sites in silicoaluminophosphates for modulating acid-catalysis

The structure-property correlations which direct the formation of specific active-acid sites in nanoporous silicoaluminophosphates (SAPOs) have been explored, to afford a molecular basis for the rational design of solid-acid catalysts. It is demonstrated that the influence of the specific zeotype framework extends beyond modulating Brønsted acidity, with the framework topology playing a fundamental role in reaction kinetics. The structural integrity and nature of the active site has been probed using a combined catalysis and multi-technique characterization study, aimed at optimizing the production of ϵ-caprolactam.