Exploring the void structure and activity of RUB-39 based expanded materials using the hydroconversion of decane

The layered silicate RUB-39 can be transformed by topotactic condensation into RUB-41 (RRO), a zeolite with 8- and 10- ring pores. If the layered RUB-39 is first silylated with dichlorodimethylsilane (DCDMS) or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS), an interlayer expanded structure is created after calcination. The DCDMS expanded material contains 10- and 12-ring pores instead of 8- and 10-ring pores. Detailed physicochemical characterization showed that the Al content is not significantly changed during the expansion. In the hydroconversion of decane, the expanded materials have a significantly increased activity, as demonstrated by the lower temperatures at which isomerization and cracking occur. Detailed comparison of the product selectivities obtained with RUB-41 or with its expanded analogs shows that the void structure of the expanded materials is significantly less constrained, as reflected in the distribution of methylnonane isomers, of the ethyloctane vs. methylnonane isomers, and in the ratio of monobranched vs. dibranched isomers.