Unveiling the thermodynamic-kinetic trade-off effect on acid sites in zeolite-catalyzed alcohol dehydration

Understanding the distinct roles of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites remains a great challenge in designing zeolite catalysts, as their coexistence often obscures mechanistic understanding. Here, we combine solid-state NMR spectroscopy with density functional theory to elucidate the site-specific pathways of ethanol dehydration to ethylene over ZSM-5 zeolite. Two key intermediates are identified: chemisorbed ethanol on Lewis acid sites (LAS) and surface ethoxy species on Brønsted acid sites (BAS), both formed via -OH activation followed by β-H elimination to yield ethylene. Comparative analysis reveals a thermodynamic-kinetic trade-off between the two sites. LAS facilitates low-temperature -OH activation but exhibits high barriers for β-H elimination, limiting ethylene formation. In contrast, BAS requires higher activation energy for -OH activation but enables more facile β-H elimination, promoting ethylene production. This intrinsic trade-off, governed by the thermodynamics of -OH activation, provides a mechanistic basis for understanding and tuning alcohol dehydration on zeolite acid sites.