Laser-induced fluorescence of base adsorbed on surface sites in solid catalysts

The interaction of quinoline with the surface of Nafion-H and Nafion-H (13 wt%)/silica gel composites, silica gel itself, HY zeolite, dealuminated or not, and two types of alumina is studied by laser-induced fluorescence. Str ong Bronsted acid sites interact with quinoline to form the quinolinum, tha t ion being revealed by a band peaking at 390 nm. When Lewis acid sites are present, a complex formed between these sites and quinoline is observed. A dimeric species and the diffusion of the adsorbates on the surface of the Nafion-H polymer are discussed.