The effect of structure directing agents on the ordering of fluoride ions in pure silica MFI zeolites

The effect of different sizes of structure directing agents on the ordering of the fluoride ions in pure silica MFI zeolites has been determined using magic angle spinning solid state NMR. By synthesizing fluoride containing pure silica MFI zeolites using methyltributylammonium cations as the structure directing agent, it has been possible to change the type of ordering seen for the fluoride ions at room temperature from the previously reported dynamic to static disorder. An initial mechanism for how this fluoride ordering occurs is suggested based upon the coulombic interaction between the positive charge on the nitrogen and the negative fluoride ion, within the zeolite framework, with different sizes of tetraalkylammonium cations.