Shape-selective n-alkane hydroconversion at exterior zeolite surfaces

A critical review of the adsorption and catalysis of n- and methylalkanes demonstrates that the interior surface of TON- and MTT-type zeolites dominates both adsorption and catalysis, and that the contribution from the exteriorsurface is negligible. For both n- and methylalkane isomers, the experimental Henry constants at the interior TON-type zeolitesurface are more than an order of magnitude greater than those at the exteriorsurface. Molecular simulations on exclusively interior TON-type silica surface reproduce the adsorption isotherms of n- and methylalkane isomers remarkably well and suggest that even an isomer as bulky as 2,3-dimethylpentane could have access to the interior TON-type zeolitesurface. Only the reference state used in solution thermodynamics affords an equitable comparison between internal and external surface thermodynamics. It indicates that methylalkanes adsorb in a structured fashion at the exterior TON-type zeolitesurface when the interior surface is inaccessible. But the entropic penalty for this organized exteriorsurface “pore mouth” or “key-lock” adsorption is high, so that methylalkanes prefer adsorption at the interior surface when it is accessible. We speculate that CHA- and ERI-type sieves exhibit exteriorsurface catalysis in long n-alkane conversion, but the database remains too small to allow investigation of the full potential of shape selectivity in exteriorzeolitesurface catalysis

Understanding the role of sodium during adsorption: a force field for alkanes in sodium-exchanged faujasites

We have developed a united atom force field able to accurately describe the adsorption properties of linear alkanes in the sodium form of FAU-type zeolites. This force field successfully reproduces experimental adsorption properties of n-alkanes over a wide range of sodium cation densities, temperatures, and pressures. The force field reproduces the sodium positions in dehydrated FAU-type zeolites known from crystallography, and it predicts how the sodium cations redistribute when n-alkanes adsorb. The cations in the sodalite cages are significantly more sensitive to the n-alkane loading than those in the supercages. We provide a simple expression that adequately describes the n-alkane Henry coefficient and adsorption enthalpy as a function of sodium density and temperature at low coverage. This expression affords an adequate substitute for complex configurational-bias Monte Carlo simulations. The applicability of the force field is by no means limited to low pressure and pure adsorbates, for it also successfully reproduces the adsorption from binary mixtures at high pressure

Towards a molecular understanding of shape selectivity

Shape selectivity is a simple concept: the transformation of reactants into products depends on how the processed molecules fit the active site of the catalyst. Nature makes abundant use of this concept, in that enzymes usually process only very few molecules, which fit their active sites. Industry has also exploited shape selectivity in zeolite catalysis for almost 50 years, yet our mechanistic understanding remains rather limited. Here we review shape selectivity in zeolite catalysis, and argue that a simple thermodynamic analysis of the molecules adsorbed inside the zeolite pores can explain which products form and guide the identification of zeolite structures that are particularly suitable for desired catalytic applications

Rationale and Design of the ISOLATION Study: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study Identifying Predictors for Successful Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in an Integrated Clinical Care and Research Pathway

Introduction: Continuous progress in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation techniques has led to an increasing number of procedures with improved outcome. However, about 30–50% of patients still experience recurrences within 1 year after their ablation. Comprehensive translational research approaches integrated in clinical care pathways may improve our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of AF and improve patient selection for AF ablation. Objectives: Within the “IntenSive mOlecular and eLectropathological chAracterization of patienTs undergoIng atrial fibrillatiOn ablatioN” (ISOLATION) study, we aim to identify predictors of successful AF ablation in the following domains: (1) clinical factors, (2) AF patterns, (3) anatomical characteristics, (4) electrophysiological characteristics, (5) circulating biomarkers, and (6) genetic background. Herein, the design of the ISOLATION study and the integration of all study procedures into a standardized pathway for patients undergoing AF ablation are described. Methods: ISOLATION (NCT04342312) is a two-center prospective cohort study including 650 patients undergoing AF ablation. Clinical characteristics and routine clinical test results will be collected, as well as results from the following additional diagnostics: determination of body composition, pre-procedural rhythm monitoring, extended surface electrocardiogram, biomarker testing, genetic analysis, and questionnaires. A multimodality model including a combination of established predictors and novel techniques will be developed to predict ablation success. Discussion: In this study, several domains will be examined to identify predictors of successful AF ablation. The results may be used to improve patient selection for invasive AF management and to tailor treatment decisions to individual patients