Process for modification of a molecular sieve

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for modifying a molecular sieve, whereby the molecular sieve is brought into contact with a modifying agent containing at least one weak acid, a salt of a weak acid or a derivative of a weak acid of at least one element of Groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table of Elements; whereafter the resulting mixture is subjected to a thermal treatment.

Description: The invention concerns a process for modifying a molecular sieve, whereby the molecular sieve is brought into contact with a modifying agent. In US patent 4,414,005 a process for modifying a molecular sieve or zeolite is described, wherein the molecular sieve in the H-form is treated with, for example, silane or diborane. The thus treated molecular sieve is then reacted with water. Modification of molecular sieves or zeolites is an important process to obtain products with different properties. By modification both the chemical structure and the pore geometry of the molecular sieve are changed. This has an influence on the kind of molecules that can enter the pores, so that the catalytic properties and the separation characteristics of the molecular sieves are changed. Both the molecular sieving and the adsorption selectivity may be altered by cation exchange or decationization, and/or preadsorption of polar molecules. The pore size and affinity of a molecular sieve can also be altered by a chemical modification of the molecular sieve structure using reactants as X x H y (SiH₄ or B₂H₆). The free diameters of the zeolitic pores and therefore the molecular sieving properties of a zeolite, and also the electric field and hence the adsorption selectivity are permanently changed. The chemical modification with silane on zeolites Y, mordenite LP and dealuminated mordenite LP changes the intracrystalline free volume and the effective pore size of the zeolites. Similar, a chemisorption of diborane alters the sorption characteristics of zeolites. The mechanism of both modification procedures can be divided in three parts: the primary chemisorption of the reactant with the zeolite, the secondary reactions inside the channels and the reaction with water of the treated substrate. The effective pore size can be changed, in a controlled way, by applying silanation and/or boranation processes under well-defined reaction conditions, such as degree of chemisorption, reaction temperature and pressure, extent of secondary reactions, reaction time, etc. FR-A-2,143,340 discloses a process for modifying zeolites to increase their resistance against acids. This process includes contacting the zeolite with a solution of a borate, a phosphate, a silicate or with a silicon hydrosel, followed by drying and activating the zeolite. This results in a coating of borate, phosphate or silicon in the zeolite. The process for modifying molecular sieves of US-A-4,414,005 has the disadvantage that it involves the use of gaseous reactants, i.e. silane or diborane, which requires very careful and complex processing, in view of the hazards involved in handling these products. Although these disadvantages of this known process can be overcome by specific measures, it would be highly preferable if a process of the above kind could be developed that does not require the use of the expensive and somewhat hazardous modifying agents. In accordance with the present invention, there has been discovered a new procedure of modifying molecular sieves to alter their molecular sieving and adsorption selectivity properties. This procedure involves the use of different weak acids or their salts in combination with a thermal treatment. The molecular sieve can be brought into contact with the modifying agent, in different ways, such as: 1) -dry mixing molecular sieve and modifying agent, and 2) -dry mixing in 1), followed by adding liquid such as water and/or organic solvent, to form a slurry or paste and afterwards drying. In principle all methods of modifying yield either a one phase or a two phase system, i.e. a paste or a slurry. The difference lies mainly in the amount of liquid present in the system. Afterwards the dry, solid mixture of molecular sieve and modifying agent undergoes a thermal treatment for several hours. A reaction between the molecular sieve and the modifying agent causes a change in the porosity and affinity of the molecular sieve. The invention thus comprises a process for modifying a molecular sieve, whereby the molecular sieve is brought into contact with a modifying agent containing at least one weak acid, a salt of a weak acid or a derivative of a weak acid of at least one element of Groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table of Elements, whereafter the resulting mixture is subjected to a thermal treatment. One of the advantages of this new process is the ease of manipulating both starting materials compared with the complex and dangerous silanation and/or boranation modification methods (explosion hazards). Because the process is based on a mixture of two compounds (determined by a simple gravimetric measurement) the usual upscaling problems do not occur. Also the homogenity of the modified sample can be controlled independently of the amount of treated zeolite. Typical of this new procedure of modifying of molecular sieves is the ease for the industrial use and the favoured economical application without very high pretreatment and installation costs and the absence of process hazards. More in particular the present invention has the advantage of very good reproducibility. The chemical modifications with hydrides (diborane and silane) require OH-groups and are generally carried out only on H-form molecular sieves. With this new process of modification however, all types of cation-form molecular sieves can also be used. Because the molecular sieves have been contacted with a modifying agent and thermally treated, the compounds formed in the channels and cages influence the molecular sieving and the selective adsorption characteristics of the substrates. The resulting sorption behaviour depends on the nature of the introduced obstructions, their location and interaction with the molecular sieve. Therefore a mechanism has been proposed to elucidate the observed adsorption properties in the case of boric acid. When a molecular sieve has been contacted with boric acid (H₃BO₃), the boric acid will polymerise during the thermal treatment to boron-oxides. By changing, for example the amount of added boric acid or the degree of polymerization, it is possible to change the adsorption behaviour of the zeolite in a controlled way. Hydroxyl groups inside the channels of a molecular sieve, if any, may react with boron hydroxyl groups when they are heated. By fusing boric acid one forms first gaseous metaboric acid and later boron oxides according to: The metaboric acid undergoes several other transitions resulting in its α-, β- or γ-form. The metaboric acid will enter the zeolite and fill the pores and can dimerize Also in the zeolite pores a reaction with hydration water is possible. At elevated temperature, polymerization between neighbouring boron hydroxyl groups is possible with the removal of H₂O. This should lead to a network of linked boron-oxygen compounds inside the pores of the molecular sieve. The types of formed, polymerized compounds depend on the molecular sieve network and on the forms characteristic for metaboric acid (namely α -, β - or γ -form). Further dehydration results in the formation of boron-oxides, polymerized inside the structure of the molecular sieve. Finally, cross-linked metaborates and boron-oxides will be present in the molecular sieve pores, strongly affecting the molecular sieving and selective adsorption properties. The other modifying reagents used, concerning this new procedure, are believed to act in a similar way. The molecular sieves are modified by the same manipulations based on a mixing of compounds and a thermal treatment. The high temperatures induce also the formation of different polymerized oxides compounds inside the channels of the molecular sieves. These implanted compounds act as obstructions and change the gas-substrate interactions compared with the original, unmodified sample. The contact between molecular sieve and the modifying agent can preferably be carried out in a number of ways: 1) -dry mixing molecular sieve and modifying agent, and 2) -dry mixing as in 1) followed by adding liquid such as water and/or organic solvent, to form a slurry, or paste and afterwards drying. In all embodiments the molecular sieve that has been brought into contact with the modifying agent (the mixture) is subsequently subjected to a thermal treatment at a temperature of at least 250°C. In the case said mixture still contains free and/or bound solvent it is subjected to a drying and/or activating step in order to remove free and/or bound solvent, previous to the thermal treatment. This drying and/or activating step can be carried out at reduced pressure, for example to prevent decomposition of organic solvent or to facilitate the removal of solvent. It is not necessary that the steps of drying and/or activating on the one hand and thermal treatment on the other, are clearly distinguishable from each other, for example by intermediate cooling. An important aspect is that if there is free liquid present in the mixture, the temperature is raised above the boiling point of the used solvent at the pressure applied, with an upper limit of 200°C. In the case of water it is preferred to dry the mixture at a temperature between 50 and 110°C, until all water has been evaporated. Thereafter the temperature is increased to a value above 250°C for a period of time sufficient to obtain the required polymerization of the modifying agent. The time for this ranges from 0,5 to 24 hours or more, whereas the temperature can be between 250°C and 750°C. Shorter times or lower temperatures tend to give insufficient results, whereas longer times do not give additional advantages. The same applies to higher temperatures, whereby one should be careful to avoid that too much modifying agent becomes gaseous, or that the molecular sieve structure collapses. The molecular sieves to be treated in accordance with the invention can be any natural or synthetic molecular sieve or zeolite. Zeolites and molecular sieves are known in the art and can suitably be defined as product with a crystallized microporous structure, such as crystalline alumino silicates with an Si/Al molar ratio of 1 to 100, preferably 1-20. Examples are mordenite SP and LP, zeolite A, X and Y, ZSM-5, clinoptilolite, ferrieriete, silicalite, erionite, chabazite, etc. in H- or cation form. It is also possible to use a molecular sieve that contains metal species. The modifying agent must be capable of forming polymerized structures in the molecular sieve and is of inorganic nature. These requirements are fullfilled by weak acids of the elements of Group III, IV and V of the Periodic Table, as well as the salts and derivatives thereof. These weak acids usually have the structure H a E b O c , wherein H and O stand for hydrogen and oxygen respectively, and E is the said element. a, b and c are such that the structure is neutral. Salts thereof, such as with Na, K, Ca, Al, NH₃, etc. can also be used. Suitably the modifying agent is chosen from the group of boric acid, silicic acid, acids of phosphor and salts thereof, more in particular it is H₃BO₃, NaH₂PO₂, Na₄P₂O₇.10H₂O, K₃PO₄, (NH₄)₂HPO₂, Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O and Si(OH)₄. It is also possible to use derivatives of the weak acids, such as acid halides. The amount of modifying agent can vary within wide ranges and is mainly determined by the degree of modification that is required. Preferred ranges of the weight ratio of molecular sieve to modifying agent are between 100 : 1 and 1 : 1, more in particular 10 : 1 to 3 : 1. These ratio applies to the amount of molecular sieve and the amount of dry modifying agent, not taking into account any liquid that can be used in the process. The amount of liquid is of influence on the results obtained. Generally the ratio of liquid (if used) to modifying agent ranges from 400 : 1 tot 1 : 20. The modified molecular sieve can be used for various purposes. It is possible to apply it as a catalyst for chemical reactions, optionally after the outer surface has been made inert. Another application is the separation or storage of gases. The modified molecular sieves can also be used as selective ion exchangers in liquids, or to purify liquids. The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of some examples. Examples 1-3, 8-10, 17 and 18 are comparative. Example 1 A batch of 300 g NH₄-mordenite small port (SP) from Société Chimique de la Grande Paroisse (E129NH₄ M47) was outgassed for 4 days in a flow of N₂ at 425°C. 2 g of this batch was taken and outgassed in high vacuum (0.133 Pa (10⁻³ Torr)) for 1 night at 451°C. Fig. 1 shows the adsorption kinetics of Xe at 0°C. The initial pressure of the gas (at t=0) is always 300 mm Hg. The equilibrium is reached within 25 minutes. From the original batch of 300 g a sample of 5 g (particle size 800 µm) was mixed with a 25 ml of 4% boric acid solution. The mixture was heated to 90°C to evaporate the water. The solid sample was then heated for 2 hours at 500°C in air. 2 g of this sample were outgassed overnight in vacuum in order to test the adsorption behaviour for Xe (Fig. 1). The data show a very slow adsorption, controlled by diffusion, for Xe due to the pore blocking boron-oxygen compounds. Example 2 3 grams of the parent sample, H-mordenite Zeolon 900 Norton, were outgassed overnight at 415°C and tested with Xe at 0°C. The kinetics of Fig. 2 show fast adsorption rate. 3.3 g of the parent sample (particle size 800 µm) were heated with 20 ml of a 2% boric acid solution at boiling temperature for 1 hour, cooled and decanted. The sample was dried overnight at room temperature in air and dehydrated at 450°C. The kinetics of Xe at 0°C, shown in Fig. 2, demonstrate a slow, diffusion-controlled adsorption of Xe which is caused by pore-narrowing effects of the implanted boron-oxygen compounds. Example 3 3 grams of the parent sample, NaY (LZY-52) from Union Carbide, were outgassed overnight, at 395°C in vacuum and tested. Fig. 3 shows the adsorption kinetics of Xe at 0°C. A relatively high adsorption is observed for Xe. 3 grams of the parent sample (particle size < 150 µm) were mixed with 10 ml of a colloidal solution of silicic acid in methanol. The slurry was dried at 100°C and heated for 3 hours at 400°C in air. The sample was dehydrated and tested with the test gases. Fig. 3 shows a decrease of the adsorption capacity for Xe at 0°C due to the implanted obstructions inside the cages of the Y-type zeolite. Example 4 3 grams of the parent sample, Ca A from Ethyl Company, were dehydrated at 370°C in vacuum overnight. The adsorption kinetics of CH₄ were investigated at 0°C (Fig. 4b). 3 grams of this parent sample (particle size < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 grams boric acid powder. After adding 3 ml of water the mixture was stirred during a few minutes, dried at 105°C in air for 1 hour and heated for 2 hours at 400°C in air. 2 grams ofa this modified sample were dehydrated overnight in vacuum at 368°C. As shown in Fig. 4 one observes a decrease in the adsorption capacity for CH₄ at 0°C. Example 5 2 grams of Na-mordenite SP (E127Nam 543:SCGP) were outgassed overnight at 420°C in high vacuum and tested for its adsorption behaviour. The sorption characteristics for Kr at 0°C are shown in Fig. 5. 3 grams of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g powdered boric acid and stirred with 3 ml H₂O for a few minutes at room temperature. Then the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 110°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated at 450°C overnight in vacuum to investigate the sorption behaviour for Xe and Kr. Fig. 5 shows a capacity decrease for both gases. Example 6 2 g of the parent sample, CaM CM782 (SCGP, extrudates) were dehydrated in vacuum overnight at 450°C. Fig. 6 shows the observed sorption characteristics for Xe at 0°C. No equilibrium was observed after 25 min. 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g boric acid powder and stirred with 3 ml H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards, the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 105°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this sample were dehydrated overnight at 454°C in vacuum to study the adsorption kinetics of Xe. Fig. 6 shows a capacity decrease. Example 7 50 g of E127NaM 543 from SCGP were exchanged for Ba²⁺ with 65 g of Ba(NO₃)₂ into 1 l of water at room temperature during 1 night. 2 g of this batch were outgassed overnight in vacuum at 450°C and tested for its adsorption behaviour with Xe at 0°C (Fig. 7). The adsorption of Xe after 25 min is 1.473 mmol/g. 3 g of the parent sample were mixed with 0.15 g powdered boric acid and stirred with 3 ml H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the sample was heated for 1 hour at 110°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this treated sample were dehydrated at 450°C overnight in vacuum. As shown in Fig. 7 the decrease in adsorption capacity for Xe was important. The sorption value of Xe after 25 min is only 0.079 mmol/g. Example 8 50 g of E127NaM 543 from SCGP were exchanged overnight at room temperature with 65 g Ba(NO₃)₂ in 1 l of water. 2.1 g of this batch were outgassed overnight in vacuum. Fig. 8 shows the adsorption kinetics of N₂ at 0°C indicating a fast adsorption rate A. 4 g of the parent sample (particle size > 800 µm) were treated with 20 ml of a 4% boric acid solution and the water was evaporated at 70°C. The dried sample was heated for 2 hours at 500°C in air. 2 g of this sample were outgassed overnight at 450°C. The adsorption kinetics shown on Fig. 9 indicate slow diffusion-controlled adsorption for N₂. Example 9 parent: same as Example 8. B. 2 g of the parent (particle size 250-800 µm) were treated with 10 ml of a 4% boric acid solution and the water was evaporated at 70°C. The dried sample was heated for 2 hours at 500°C in air. This sample was outgassed overnight at 453°C. The adsorption kinetics, shown in Fig. 9, indicate diffusion-controlled adsorption for N₂ at 0°C. Example 10 parent: same as Example 8. C. 5 g of the parent sample (particle size < 150 µm) were treated with 25 ml of a 4% boric acid solution and the water was evaporated at 70°C. The dried sample was heated for 2 hours at 500°C in air. 2 g of this sample were outgassed overnight at 428°C. Comparing the kinetics of N₂ with Example 9 the uptake N₂ is decreased. A higher modification can be obtained when the particle size is small. Example 11 2 g of the parent sample, CaM CM782 (SCGP, extrudates) were dehydrated in vacuum overnight at 450°C. The adsorption behaviour of this sample was tested for CH₄ at 0°C (Fig. 10). A. Particle size > 800 µm 3 g of the parent sample (fraction > 800 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃ - powder. After adding 3 ml of H₂O, the slurry was mixed and dried during 1 hour at 105°C in air. The dried sample was heated at 400°C for 2 hours in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated at 463°C overnight in vacuum. Fig. 11 shows the kinetic runs of CH₄ at 0°C. One observes a decrease in the sorption capacity. B. Particle size 250-800 µm 3 g of the parent sample (fraction 250-800 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃-powder. Afterwards 3 ml of H₂O was added and the slurry was mixed and dried during 1 hour at 105°C in air. The dried sample was heated at400°C for 2 hours in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated at 450°C overnight in vacuum. The adsorption kinetics of CH₄ are shown in Fig. 11. Compared to the modification with a fraction > 800 µm, one observes a lower sorption capacity. C. Particle size < 150 µm 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃-powder. After adding 3 ml of H₂O, the slurry was mixed and dried during 1 hour at 105°C in air. The dried sample was heated at 400°C for 2 hours in air. 2 g of this sample were dehydrated at 454°C overnight in vacuum. Fig. 11 shows the kinetic runs of CH₄ at 0°C. In general we can conclude that the particle size of the parent sample has an influence on the final obtained modification degree. This is illustrated by the resulting adsorption behaviour for different gases. (see Examples 8, 9 and 10). Comparing Example 11 with Examples 8, 9 and 10 it is clear that with lower modification degrees the importance of the particle size of the parent sample decreases. Example 12 The parent sample used in this example was E127NaM 543 treated with an aqueous KNO₃ solution. The Na⁺-ions were exchanged for K⁺-ions using 100 g KNO₃ and 50 g sample E127 in 0.5 l of H₂O for 1 night at room temperature. 2 g of this exchanged sample (extrudates) were dehydrated in vacuum at 435°C overnight. The adsorption behaviour was tested for Xe at 0°C (Fig. 12). An equilibrium situation was reached after 36 min. 2 g of the parent sample (fraction 250-800 µm) were mixed with 0.2 g K₃PO₄ dry. Then 2 ml of H₂O were added and mixed. The sample was first dried during 1 hour at 100°C in air and afterwards treated at 500°C for 2 hours in air. After dehydration the adsorption characteristics were investigated (Fig. 12). Xe was excluded. Example 13 2 g of the parent sample, E126NaM 543, were dehydrated at 440°C for one night in vacuum. The kinetic runs of Xe were investigated at 0°C. (Fig. 13). An equilibrium situation is reached after 25 min and it shows a high adsorption capacity. 3.1 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.3 g (NH₄)₂HPO₄. After mixing with 3 ml of H₂O the substrate was dried at 100°C in air. A thermal treatment of 2 hours at 500°C in air was the next experimental manipulation before dehydrating the sample in vacuum at 455°C overnight. The adsorption of Xe was again investigated on this modified sample at 0°C. The modified sample shows a decrease in the adsorption capacity, but especially a strong diffusion-controlled sorption process for Xe at 0°C (Fig. 13). Example 14 2 g of the parent sample. CaM CM782 (SCGP, extrudates), were dehydrated in vacuum overnight at 450°C. Fig. 14 shows the observed sorption characteristics of CH₄ at 0°C, both gases are still adsorbing after 25 min. 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.075 g H₃BO₃ (2.5% weight) and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Then the sample was evaporated for 1 hour at 100°C in air and thermally treated for 2 hours at 400°C also in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated overnight at 457°C in vacuum. Fig. 15 shows a decrease in the adsorption of CH₄ at 0°C after modification. Example 15 3 g of the parent sample (cfr. Example 14 (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃ (5% weight) and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 2 hours at 400°C both in air. 2 g of this treated sample were dehydrated overnight at 454°C in vacuum. At this modified degree one observes for CH₄ a larger capacity decrease compared to that in Example 14 (Fig. 15). Example 16 3 g of the parent sample (cfr. Example 14) (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.3 g H₃BO₃ (10% weight) and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards, the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this treated sample were dehydrated at 455°C overnight, to investigate the kinetic run of CH₄ at 0°C. (Fig. 15). With this modification CH₄ shows at this adsorption temperature not only an enormous capacity decrease but the adsorption is also strongly diffusion-controlled. Example 17 The parent sample used in this experiment was CaM CM782 (SCGP; extrudates). 2 g of the sample were dehydrated overnight at 450°C in vacuum in order to investigate its adsorption behavious. Fig. 16 shows the sorption kinetics of Xe at 0°C. 3 g CaM CM782 (fraction < 150 µm) were treated for 1 hour and 30 min at 90°C in a H₃BO₃-solution (0.15 g H₃BO₃ in 40 ml H₂O). After cooling to room temperature the residual solution was decanted and the sample was dried at 60°C in air. The dried material was thermally treated for 2 hours at 400°C in air. 2 g of this modified substrate were dehydrated at 449°C overnight in vacuum. The kinetic run of Xe at 0°C was investigated on the modified sample (Fig. 16). One observes only a small capacity decrease. Example 18 Parent sample : same as in Example 17. 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were treated with 20 ml of a 0.75% aqueous H₃BO₃-solution at 90°C until complete evaporation of the solvent. The dried material was heated during 2 hours at 400°C in air. 2 g of the modified sample were dehydrated at 445°C overnight in vacuum to investigate the kinetic run of Xe at 0°C (Fig. 17). The modified sample shows a decrease in the adsorption capacity at 0°C. Example 19 Parent sample : same as in Example 16. 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃ and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this treated sample were dehydrated overnight at 454°C in vacuum. As shown in Fig. 18 the adsorption kinetics of Xe at 0°C reveal a capacity decrease. Example 20 2 g of the parent sampel CaM CM782 (SCGP, extrudates) were dehydrasted overnight at 450°C in vacuum. The kinetic runs of Xe and CH₄ at 0°C were tested, both gases are still adsorbing after 25 min. The sorption value for CH₄ after 25 min is 0.762 mmol/g. (Fig. 19). (a) 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g powdered H₃BO₃ and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the substrate was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 2 hours at 300°C, both in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated overnight at 444°C in vacuum to investigate the adsorption behaviour for CH₄ at 0°C (Fig. 19). The sorption value of CH₄ after 25 min is 0.351 mmol/g. (b) 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃-powder and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the substrate was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated overnight at 454°C in vacuum. Fig. 19 shows a capacity decrease at 0°C. After modification the sorption value after 25 min of CH₄ is 0.303 mmol/g. Example 21 In this experiment the parent sample was CaM CM782 (SCGP, extrudates). 2 g of the parent sample were dehydrated overnight at 450°C in vacuum to investigate its adsorption behaviour for Xe at 0°C (Fig. 20). (a) 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃ and with 3 ml of water at room temperature. Afterwards the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 30 min at 400°C, both in air. After a dehydration (overnight, at 444°C, in vacuum) of the sample the kinetic run of Xe at 0°C were investigated (Fig. 20). A decrease of sorption capacity after the modification is observed. (b) 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.15 g H₃BO₃ and stirred with 3 ml of H₂O at room temperature. Then the sample was thermallay treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 2 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this modified sample were dehydrated at 454°C overnight in vacuum. Fig. 20 shows the adsorption kinetics of Xe at 0°C after the modification. Comparing to Example 21a the sorption values of Xe are a little lower on this modified sample, due to the longer thermal treatment time. Example 22 2 g of the parent sample, CaM CM 782 (SCGP, extrudates) were dehydrated overnight at 450°C in vacuum. Fig. 21 shows the observed sorption characteristics for Xe, Kr, Ar, N₂ and O₂ at 0°C. After 16 min Xe is still adsorbing. 3.1 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.3 g H₃BO₃ (10% weight) and stirred with 3 ml H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the sample was thermally treated for 1 hour at 100°C and for 3 hours at 400°C, both in air. 2 g of this sample were dehydrated overnight at 427°C in vacuum. Fig. 21 shows exclusion for Xe. Example 23 The parent sample, CaM CM782 (SCGP; extrudates) was dehydrated overnight at 450°C in vacuum. Fig. 22 shows the observed sorption characteristics for Xe at 0°C. After 16 min Xe is still adsorbing. 3 g of the parent sample (fraction < 150 µm) were mixed with 0.3 g H₃BO₃ (10% weight) and stirred with 3 ml H₂O at room temperature. Afterwards the sample was thermally treated for 2 hours at 100°C in air. The thermal treatment at 455°C was carried out overnight in vacuum. Fig. 22 shows the obtained adsorption behaviour. A capacity decrease occurs with diffusion-controlled adsorption for Xe. The pore-narrowing of this sample is not so effective as the one in Example 22 although the same amount of boric acid was used.

Claims: Process for modifying the pore geometry and the selective adsorption properties of a molecular sieve, whereby the molecular sieve is brought into contact with a modifying agent containing at least one weak acid, a salt of a weak acid or a derivative of a weak acid of at least one element of Groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table of Elements, by dry mixing the molecular sieve and the said modifying agent, optionally followed by adding liquid to form a slurry or paste, whereafter the resulting mixture is subjected to a thermal treatment. Process according to claim 1, wherein the modifying agent contains at least one of said modifying agent that has the ability to polymerize at elevated temperature. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the molecular sieve is brought into contact with substantially dry powder of the modifying agent, followed by addition of liquid to form a slurry or paste. Process according to claim 3, wherein water is added to the dry mixture. Process according to claims 1-4, wherein the thermal treatment is at least partly carried out at a temperature of 250°C or more. Process according to claim 1-5, wherein the molecular sieve is a natural or synthetic zeolite that has been chosen from the group of mordenite SP,LP, zeolite A and Zeolite Y, ZSM-5, clinoptilolite, ferrieriete, silicalite, erionite and chabazite. Process according to claim 1-6, wherein the modifying agent is chosen from the group of boric acid, silicic acid, acids of phosphor and salts thereof. Process according to claim 7, wherein the modifying agent is H₃BO₃, NaH₂PO₂, Na₄P₂O₇.10H₂O, K₃PO₄, (NH₄)₂HPO₂, NaB₄O₇.10H₂O and Si(OH)₄. Process according to claim 1-8, wherein the ratio of amount of molecular sieve to modifying agent ranges from 100:1 to 1:1. Process according to claim 9, wherein the ratio of amount of molecular sieve to modifying agent ranges from 10:1 to 3:1.

Inventors: DE BIEVRE PAUL, MOREAU SERGE, PHILIPPAERTS JOS GISLAIN LEON, VANSANT ETIENNE, VERBIEST JAN, DE BIEVRE, PAUL, MOREAU, SERGE, PHILIPPAERTS, JOS GISLAIN LEON, VANSANT, ETIENNE, VERBIEST, JAN, De Bièvre, Paul
Applicants: EURATOM, EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY (EURATOM)
Application year: 1988
Main classification: B01J20
IPC codes: B01D53, C01B39, B01J20, C01B37