Post-synthesis alumination of Si-MCM-41 by Al(NO3)3 (II): Enhancement of hydrothermal, mechanical and chemical stabilities

Abstract

The effects of post-synthesis alumination by Al(NO3)3 on the stability of MCM-41 materials under hydrothermal conditions, high pressures as well as in high pH solution have been studied by XRD, N2 adsorption and FTIR. The hydrothermal stability of MCM-41 in boiling water or in high temperature steam is significantly enhanced by the external introduction of Al species. Post-synthesis alumination also improves the mechanical stability of MCM-41 under high pressure compression. The chemical stability of MCM-41 in high pH solution is found to be significantly improved by the post-alumination. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.