FORM – C1

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

Human Resource Development Group, CSIR Complex, Library Avenue, Pusa, New
Delhi - 110 012.

1. Title of the project proposal: For CSIR Use

An improved process for the synthesis of a Number:
environmentally friendly, industrially important Date received:
catalyst SAPO-35 Committee:

2. Name of the Principal 3. Date of Referees report

Investigator: Dr. Venkatathri Birth/Sex:
Narayanan 15-07-
1967 &
Male

4.Address : 5. Co-investigator(s)(Name, affilation)

Department of Chemistry
National Institute of
Technology, Warangal 506
004, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Dr. Vishnu Shanker
Department of Chemistry
National Institute of Technology
Warangal 506 004
Andhra Pradesh, India.

6. Objectives/ Questions to be answered (50 words)

Silico aluminophosphate molecular sieves are industrially important due to its mild
acidity. One of such catalyst, SAPO-35, levyne type molecular sieves are useful for
methanol to olefin (MTO) reaction. The main problem associated with SAPO-35
synthesis is their a) less crystallinity, and b) non-specific incorporation ( Si 4+ only in
place of P5+ of AlPO). Recently we have found non-aqueous media synthesis will
clear this problems. However the latter method is taking more crystallization time and
costlier solvent. Aqeous media synthesis will have lesser crystallization period and
cheaper. To synthesis an efficient catalyst, we have to choose a middle path. In the
reported project, we have planned to synthesis SAPO-35, using this middle path.
7. Step-wise programme of work and expected outcome (200 words)

The total work on this project is divided into three parts (years). In first year,
Literature survey, purchase of chemicals and synthesis will be carried out. In second
year the synthesized materials characterization and part of catalysis will be carried
out. The remaining part of catalysis and publications, concluding report will be
carried out in the last year. The expected out come of this project is publications,
patents and the best results will be utilized for industry. The main application of this
work will be utilized for petroleum industries.

8. References of 2 best papers published by the PI in last 5 years

(i) N. Venkatathri and J.W. Yoo, “Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties
of a LEV type silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve, SAPO-35 from aqueous media
using aluminium isopropoxide and hexamethyleneimine template”, Appl. Catal., 340
(2008) 265.

(ii) N. Venkatathri, “Synthesis and characterization of high silica content

silicoaluminophosphate SAPO-35 from non-aqueous medium”, Catal. Commun. 7
(2006) 773.

9. Budget Ist Year 2nd Year 3rd Year

Equipment Surface area analyzer Rs. - -

20,00, 000/-

Contingencies Rs. 1,00,000/- Rs. 1,00,000/- Rs. 1,00,000/-

JRF/SRF/RA Rs. 1,80,000/- Rs. 1,80,000/- Rs. 1,80,000/-

Total Rs. 22,80,000/- Rs. 2,80,000/- Rs. 2,80,000/-

Grand total for whole project: Signature of PI

Rs. 28,40,000/-