Mechanisms of light alkane and alkene activation and transformation on metal-modified zeolites

Improving hydrocarbon feedstock processing efficiency is an important objective for modern chemical science. To address this issue, technologies for catalytic conversion of light alkanes and alkenes should be developed. Metal-modified zeolites demonstrate the required catalytic performance for selective dehydrogenation, aromatization, and oxidation of light hydrocarbons. Understanding how metal-containing zeolites work on the molecular level can help in the successful design of industrial catalysts. This review summarizes the fundamental studies on the mechanisms of light alkane and alkene activation and transformation on zeolites modified with copper, zinc, silver, and indium. The available data on the structure and composition of active metal-containing sites, the nature of the key surface intermediates, and possible transformation pathways for C1 – C4 alkanes and C2 – C4 alkenes are systematized and critically analyzed. Conclusions regarding the basic principles and characteristics of metal-modified zeolite catalysis are provided. The bibliography includes 393 references.