The catalytic (propane dehydrocyclization) and reduction behaviors of
near 1:1 cation (Ga, In)/framework-Al MFI zeolites were examined under
conditions where the materials were initially either in fully protona
ted or zero-protonated states. Reductions at appropriate temperatures
proceeded up to similar to 100% exchange of protons for reduced unival
ent cations. Further aqueous exchange of alkali (K+) or alkaline earth
(Ba2+) cations increased the selectivity for dehydrogenation reaction
s at little or no sacrifice in overall activity.