Structural and Catalytic Properties of Nickel Modified Molecular Sieves

The limit of stability of the crystal framework at different extents of Ni ion exchange of type A molecular sieve is shown by means of electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, and x-ray diffraction. The data obtained from catalytic studies are in accord with the results of physical methods, showing preservation of the molecular sieve properties after reduction of the Ni ions. Metallic Ni aggregates on the external surface of the zeolite. In the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane and the hydrogenolysis of n-hexane, type A molecular sieve shows the properties of metallic Ni on an inert support. When NiNaA is mixed mechanically with CaY, a typical bifunctional catalyst is obtained.