In situ MAS NMR at the service of catalysis by zeolites: From the unraveling catalytic mechanisms towards the elucidation of the mechanisms of synthesis and rational design of zeolite catalysts

The demand in rational design of zeolite materials with targeted catalytic properties requires profound knowledge on the mechanisms of their catalytic performance, as well as better understanding of the mechanisms of their formation. In this mini-review, we discuss the advances in the application of in situ MAS NMR techniques for the unraveling mechanisms of zeolites synthesis and catalytic performance. The first part contains brief description of the experimental techniques used for the in situ MAS NMR studies of heterogeneous catalysis and hydrothermal synthesis. The second part reveals the impact of in situ MAS NMR for the unraveling the mechanisms of zeolite catalyzed reactions. In the third part, the main capabilities of multinuclear MAS NMR for the elucidation the mechanisms of hydrothermal synthesis are illustrated with examples taken from our recent studies. Finally, the last part shows further perspectives towards rational design of zeolite catalysts on the basis of mechanistic information obtained by MAS NMR. [Display omitted] •The advances in MAS NMR techniques for in situ studies of zeolites are reviewed.•The impact for the unraveling mechanisms of zeolite catalysis is demonstrated.•The capabilities for the investigation of hydrothermal synthesis are discussed.•Further perspectives towards rational design of zeolite catalysts are analyzed.