Cu-Y zeolites are synthesized through aqueous or gaseous ionic exchange unlike the naturally occurring faujasites: faujasite-Ca, faujasite-Mg, and faujasite-Na.
[3] They eventually began to find use in other industries as the usage of zeolites increased as a whole, such as removal of carbon monoxide from gas.
[6] From then on, various methods were developed utilizing Cu-Y zeolites in desulfurization of hydrocarbons, reducing their environmental impact when used as fuel.
One of the important properties allowing zeolites to act as catalysts is their ability to exchange cations without disturbing the crystalline structure.
Copper zeolites also act as oxidizing agents as seen in their ability to ionize anthracene, the electron transfer was proven to happen at the cupric ion.
[8] This mechanism is consistent in that pi complexation involves stronger bonds with organo-sulfur molecules than with aromatic sulfur.
[12][13] The two most common applications of the Cu(I) Y Zeolite are catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide to nitrogen and oxygen, and desulfurization of fuels used in the hydrocracking process for petroleum production.
[16] The downfall of using the Cu(I) Y zeolite catalyst for desulfurization is that moisture exhibits strong inhibiting effects on the adsorption process because the water molecule is preferred over sulfur.