Direct
evidence of the successful incorporation of atomically dispersed
molybdenum (Mo) atoms into the framework of nanosized MFI zeolite
is demonstrated for the first time. Homogeneous distribution of Mo
with a size of 0.05 nm is observed by scanning transmission electron
microscopy high-angle annular dark-field imaging (STEM-HAADF). 31P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR)
and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, using trimethylphosphine
oxide (TMPO) and deuterated acetonitrile as probe molecules, reveal
a homogeneous distribution of Mo in the framework of MFI nanozeolite,
and the presence of Lewis acidity. 31P MAS NMR using TMPO
shows probe molecules interacting with isolated Mo atoms in the framework,
and physisorbed probe molecules in the zeolite channels. Moreover,
2D 31P–31P MAS radio frequency-driven
recoupling NMR indicates the presence of one type of Mo species in
different crystallographic positions in the MFI framework. The substitution
of framework Si by Mo significantly reduces the silanol defect content,
making the resulting zeolite highly hydrophobic. In addition, the
insertion of Mo into the MFI structure induces a symmetry lowering,
from orthorhombic (Pnma), typical of high silica
MFI, to monoclinic (P21/n), as well
as an expansion of unit cell volume. The novel material opens many
opportunities of catalysts design for application in mature and emerging
fields.