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P magic
angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance
(MAS NMR) spectroscopy of adsorbed alkyl-substituted phosphine oxides
has witnessed tremendous progress during the last years and has become
one of the most informative and sensitive methods of zeolite acidity
investigation. However, quantitative evaluation of the number of sites
is still a challenge. This study clarifies the main origin of errors
occurring during NMR experiments, introduces the appropriate standards
(both internal and external), and determines the relaxation parameters
and the conditions for the acquisition and integration of spectra.
As a result, a methodology for the quantitative measurement of the
content of Brønsted and Lewis sites and the amount of internal
and external silanol groups is established. The application of probe
molecules of different sizes (namely, trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO),
tri-
n
-butylphosphine oxide (TBPO), and tri-
n
-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO)) is shown to be a good tool
for distinguishing between the active sites inside the zeolite pores,
mesopores, and on the outer crystal surface. The methodology proposed
is verified on BEA zeolites different in composition, texture, and
morphology.