Dynamical studies of zeolitic protons and interactions with adsorbates by picosecond infrared spectroscopy

We have investigated zeolite-adsorbate interactions with time-resolved (picosecond) non-linear infrared spectroscopy. In these experiments, the zeolite hydroxyl (the catalytically active, acid site) is vibrationally excited after which the energy relaxation can be monitored real-time. The effect of the presence of adsorbates on energy relaxation rates and pathways provides information on catalyst-adsorbate interaction dynamics. Furthermore, the effect of the presence of adsorbates on the homogeneous linewidth, investigated with infrared hole-burning spectroscopy, provides information on the nature of the interaction potential.