Discovery of a new catalytically active and selective zeolite (ITQ-30) by high-throughput synthesis techniques

By applying a sequential design of experiments, high-throughput syntheses, and X-ray diffraction and data-mining techniques, it has been possible to synthesize a new zeolite (ITQ-30) within a wide range of Si/Al ratios (image). Structurally, ITQ-30 belongs to the MWW family, with disordered layers as MCM-56. Its large external surface area makes this zeolite an active and selective catalyst for alkylation of benzene with propylene.