RT Journal Article T1 π-Complexation for Olefin/Paraffin Separation using Aluminosilicates A1 Luna Triguero, Azahara A1 Sławek, A. A1 Sánchez-de-Armas, R. A1 Gutiérrez Sevillano, Juan José A1 Ania, C.O. A1 Parra, J. B. A1 Vicent Luna, José Manuel A1 Calero, Sofía K1 Molecular Simulation K1 Monte Carlo K1 Molecular Dynamics K1 Zeolites AB The purification of the α-olefins though challenging, is mandatory step for their use in the chemical industry. Since adsorptive separation using zeolites is one of the most promising alternatives for olefin/paraffin separation in terms of energy efficiency, we use a combination of experiments and molecular simulations to study the effect that the topology and chemical composition of the zeolite exert on the purification of olefins. To this aim we developed an effective potential for the cations with the double bond of the olefins. The potential parameters were validated with our experimental adsorption isotherms and isobars of propylene and 1-hexene. We performed an extensive study of propane/propylene separation in more than 200 all silica zeolites and several aluminosilicates. We also performed DFT and classical optimization of the structures, obtaining the minimum energy of a given chemical composition and topology, which is key factor for the adsorption mechanisms. DFT calculations also allowed the analysis of binding energies and binding geometries of propane and propylene in NaY and LTA5A. We discussed the effect exerted by the cations on the separation performance of the zeolites. Our study shows that aluminosilicates with calcium cations are the best candidates to separate olefins from paraffins, due to the stronger interaction of the double bond of olefins with these divalent cations. PB Elsevier YR 2019 FD 2019-08-18 LK https://hdl.handle.net/10433/25940 UL https://hdl.handle.net/10433/25940 LA en NO Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 380, 15 January 2020, 122482 NO Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales DS RIO RD May 22, 2026