Models for V-MCM-41 synthesis and determination of pore size effect on methanol oxidation

COLL 78

Yanhui Yang, Sangyun Lim, and Gary Haller. Chemical Engineering, Yale University, P. O. 06520-8286, New Haven, CT 06520-8286
A quantitative model for V-MCM-41 synthesis has been developed that allows these materials to be synthesized with varying pore size but nearly constant composition and structure. These newly synthesized materials have been used to test the hypothesis that the pore size (radius of curvature) will affect the catalytic activity and/or selectivity for the probe reaction of the oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde by molecular oxygen. This radius of curvature effect has been observed and its interpretation will be discussed.