Characterization and Catalytic Properties of Titanium-Pillared Clays Prepared at Laboratory and Pilot Scales:  A Comparative Study

The textural and structural characteristics and the acid properties of Ti-pillared montmorillonites prepared at bench scale (1 kg per batch level) have been compared with those prepared at laboratory scale (a few grams). The pillared clays have been examined by X-ray diffraction and characterized by different techniques and methods including nitrogen sorption isotherms, temperature-programmed desorption/reduction, and atomic absorption. The catalytic performance was evaluated by means of the selective reduction of NO by propylene over Cu2+ ion-exchanged samples. The differences of the textural characteristics between the laboratory and pilot samples did not significantly affect the catalytic results.