Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of microporous silicotitaniumphosphate by neutral templating route

Abstract

A new series of microporous silicotitaniumphosphate and its organic-inorganic hybrid analogue have been synthesized under hydrothermal condition with the assistance of a neutral structure-directing agent, 4,4'-trimethylenedipiperidine under almost neutral pH condition. PXRD, FE-SEM, TEM and N₂ sorption studies have been used to characterize these materials. FTIR and UV-visible studies suggest the presence of Si-O-P and Ti-O-Si bonds, and tetrahedral coordination of Ti(IV) in the samples. The thermal stability of the materials has been analyzed by TGA/DTA. These samples show good catalytic activity towards the liquid phase partial epoxidation of cyclohexene and styrene using dilute H₂O₂ as oxidant.