Synthesis, structure, and acidic properties of MCM-41 functionalized with phosphate and titanium phosphate groups

Mesoporous molecular sieves Si-MCM-41 (purely siliceous) and Ti-MCM-41 (partly covered with a surface layer of TiO2) were functionalized with phosphate groups by treatment with POCl3 (denoted -MCM-41(P) and Ti-MCM-41(P), respectively). With the use of TEM, X-ray diffraction, and N-2 adsorption, it was shown that the initial hexagonal structure, the high specific surface area, and porosity are retained in the functionalized materials but are not as good as in the starting materials. H-1 MAS NMR and (31)p MAS NMR revealed that the surface of Si-MCM-41(P) consists of silicon phosphate and pyrophosphate species. That of Ti-MCM-41(P) additionally contains titanium dihydro-, hydro-, and pyrophosphate species, the latter being predominant. TPD of adsorbed ammonia for Si-MCM-41(P) and Ti-MCM-41(P) showed that functionalization leads to the creation of moderate and strong acid sites. A combination of mesoporous structure with acidic properties makes the MCM-41 functionalized with phosphate groups promising for use as solid acid catalysts.