A NEW CLASS OF MESOPOROUS ALUMINOPHOSPHATES FOR APPLICATION IN PERTOLEUM REFINING

This project focuses on the synthesis of mesoporous aluminophosphate and aluminosilicates as catalysts for application in the conversion of large petroleum feedstock compounds to useful middle distillates and naphtha transportation fuels. Summarized herein, is our research progress for September 1, 2001 to August 31, 2002. The synthesis of aluminophosphates in the presence of nonionic surfactants and block co-polymers were explored over a wide range of synthesis variables such as temperature, Al/P ratio, pH and surfactants/polymer concentrations. In most cases, the resulting products were found to be amorphous. A partially ordered aluminophosphate mesophase was obtained in the presence of Brij 56 non-ionic surfactant. Further characterization to determine the phase type (e.g. hexagonal lamellar or cubic) of this product is pending. The amorphous nature of the products obtained using these classes of surfactants are in contrast to highly ordered aluminophosphates mesophases obtained in the presence of cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium detailed in a previous report. The synthesis of pure-silica and aluminosilicate mesophases of different type and quality were also conducted over a wide range of variables such as temperature, Si/Al ratio, pH and surfactants/polymer concentrations. However characterization of the phase type and quality of the materials produced is pending due to a severe and extended malfunction of the X-Ray Diffractometer. Nitrogen porosimetry of selected calcined samples showed various absorption isotherm with some samples showing type IV with a large step in the mesoporous range. Surface area of the samples varied and maximized at approximately 1000 m{sup 2}/g, which is typically reported for materials of this type. Further characterization of the sample will be conducted following repair of the X-Ray Diffractometer