The n-butyl amine TPD measurement of Brönsted acidity for solid catalysts by simultaneous TG/DTG–DTA

The method for Brönsted acidity measurement based on TPD of alkyl amines desorption by gas-chromatography or thermogravimetry was adapted for simultaneous TG/DTG–DTA analysis. The acidity measurements were focused on the 12-tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40) and its salts, especially with Cesium since these posses the highest Brönsted acidity and they are among the most interesting catalysts. The n-butyl amine (NBA) desorption takes place in three steps for CsxH3−xPW12O40, x = 0–2, and four steps for the Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40. The steps of desorption correspond to the release of NBA molecules in stages, as NBA or butene molecules resulted from the Hofmann elimination reaction and NH3 + H2O formed by decomposition of ammonium salt. The quantities of desorption products, C4H8 and NH3 + H2O, corresponding to the stages with the maximum desorption rates at 400–420 °C, respectively 560–600 °C, are in the stoichiometric ratio with the Brönsted acidity.