AlPO4 Molecular Sieves Modified with Metal Chelate Complexes

A new method for modification AlPO4 molecular sieves has been presented. Lack of ion-exchange properties makes the modification of aluminium phosphates for catalytic applications difficult. We have developed a method that involves the crystallization of AlPO4 molecular sieves around metal complexes. This results in encapsulation of the complexes within the intracrystalline pore system. Several metallophthalocyanines have been successfully encapsulated into AlPO4-5 and subsequently tested as catalysts for cyclohexene oxidation. Significant differences in activity result from the presence of different metallophthalocyanines.