Croatian-Slovenian Symposium on Zeolites 11 CUBIC MESOPOROUS ALUMINOPHOSPHATE THIN FILMS: STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Mesoporous aluminophosphate thin films templated by nonionic copolymer surfactant (Pluronic-F108 and –F127) were prepared by the dip-coating method. Self-assembly of copolymer surfactants with different sizes and hydrophilic properties into cubic symmetry causes the formation of thin films with different pore dimensions. Symmetry of pore arrangement was determined by SAXS and TEM measurements. It has been shown that these films are stable to thermal treatment, and that there is an evolution of the inorganic framework, according to 27 Al and 31 P NMR spectra. Silicon and manganese were effectively incorporated within aluminophosphate framework which was confirmed by NMR and XANES/EXAFS analysis. Acidity and hydrophilic properties of metal-modified (SAPO and MnSAPO) aluminophopshate frameworks of thin films make these materials applicable for membranes, energy storage and catalytic applications.