Quantum chemistry modeling if structure, properties and catalytic activity of zeolites employing embedding approaches.

Abstract:
The goal of our project is to computationally model structure, properties and catalytic activity of zeolites employing embedding approaches (QMPOT and ONIOM). We will model the distribution of Al in ZSM-5 zeolite using QMPOT. The average tetrahedral angle for Al in all 12 T positions of ZSM-5 will be calculated employing a DFT method and the force field of Sauer. The calculated angles will be used to interpret experimental NMR spectra. Furthermore, we propose to calculate infrared frequencies of small molecules (NO, NO2, N2O, H2O, O2 and N2) which coordinate to cations of transition metals. We propose to model several zeolite systems (MFI, BEA, FER) in which there are two transition metal cations in different distances. We will investigate how one or two NO molecules bind to the two cations and how two NO molecules might react. Another goal of this proposed research project is to predict the binding positions and consequently the reactivity of the adsorbed NO molecules in the zeolite.