Solid-state NMR study of ultrastable zeolite Y modified with orthophosphoric acid

29Si, 27Al and 31P solid-state NMR under magic-angle spinning was used for the study of ultrastable zeolite Y modified with H3PO4. The material is a potential candidate for a new generation of oil-cracking catalysts. Bloch decay and cross-polarization spectra were compared. It was found that amorphous aluminium phosphate is formed during the P-impregnation and the following activation, and that it occupies the zeolite surface and internal voids. For a high P-content under steaming conditions, aluminium phosphate is converted into a crystalline form. No evidence has been found for incorporation of P atoms into the zeolite framework.