ZOL: A New Type of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Zeolites Containing Organic Framework

Abstract

A novel type of organic–inorganic hybrid zeolite material ZOL (zeolite with organic group as lattice) is reviewed. ZOL materials are synthesized from an organosilane in which a methylene group bridges two silicon atoms to supersede an oxygen atom in the zeolite framework. ZOLs of various structures with the LTA, MFI, and *BEA topologies can be synthesized under synthesis conditions similar to those for conventional zeolites. The presence of framework methylene is demonstrated through the 13C MAS NMR analyses, although the presence of Si−CH3 formed through the hydrolysis of Si−CH2−Si linkage is also observed. Although ZOL has physical properties similar to those of its inorganic counterpart, it shows higher hydrophobicity because of the presence of the framework organic group. The organic moieties in ZOL materials are thermally stable enough to be retained after the combustion of occluded organic structure directing agents.