New precursor for the post-synthesis preparation of Fe-ZSM-5 zeolites with low iron content

A new method for preparing ZSM-5 catalysts containing highly dispersed iron species is presented. Iron(III) oxalate was used as the iron precursor in an aerobic aqueous exchange process. The presence of different iron species inside the zeolite pores was investigated by IR spectroscopy of adsorbed NO, which revealed an excellent iron dispersion. The results were compared with those obtained on a Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts prepared by iron(II) chloride sublimation and on samples prepared by controlled migration of framework iron in isomorphously substituted samples.