Zeolite Nanocrystals- Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Zeolites are being used extensively in industrial processes such as heterogeneous catalysts and adsorbents. Nano-crystalline zeolites have large external surface areas as well as low diffusion resistance. Accordingly, control of the crystal size and the tailoring the mesopores and macropores among the crystals are important factors for applications of these nanocrystals. In order to obtain nano-crystalline zeolites, it is important to separate the nucleation and growth stages. The addition of a surfactant into synthetic solutions of zeolites is a promising method to control the crystal size and improve the crystallinity due to adsorption of the surfactant on the zeolite surface.