Unusual coordination state of cobalt ions in zeolites modified by aluminum chloride

Co- and Al-modified zeolites (Al-Co-ZSM-5) were prepared by solid-state ion exchange with cobalt acetate or chloride, followed by AlCl3 immobilization from anhydrous toluene solution. Based on data from XRD, X-ray absorption (XANES/EXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and DRIFT spectral studies of adsorbed probe molecules (carbon monoxide, ethane), a new cobalt electronic state, bonded with surface aluminum atoms through oxygen and chlorine atoms, arises on the surface of Al-Co-ZSM-5. A new band at 2192 cm(-1) appears in the DRIFT spectrum, shifted to lower frequencies compared to CO complexes with isolated Co2+ cations (2205 cm(-1)). Spectral data of the ethane adsorption (new strong bands in the range of 2740-2770 cm(-1)) prove the existence of specific centers of alkane activation on coordinately unsaturated cobalt cations, resulting in the interaction with aluminum chloride.