Understanding Mechanism and Designing Strategies for Sustainable Synthesis of Zeolites: A Personal Story

Zeolites with intricate micropores have been widely studied for a long time as an important class of porous materials in different areas of industrial processes such as gas adsorption and separation, ion exchange, and shape‐selective catalysis. However, their industrial syntheses are not sustainable, and normally require the presence of expensive organic templates and a large amount of solvents such as water. The presence of organic templates not only increases zeolite cost but also produces harmful gases during the removal of these templates by calcination, while the use of solvents significantly increases the amount of polluted water. This Personal Account briefly summarizes recent sustainable routes for the synthesis of zeolites in our group according to our understanding of the synthetic mechanism, and mainly focuses on the organotemplate‐free synthesis of zeolites in the presence of zeolite seeds, the design of environmentally friendly templates, and solvent‐free synthesis of zeolites.

     

Solvent‐Free Syntheses of Hierarchically Porous Aluminophosphate‐Based Zeolites with AEL and AFI Structures

Development of sustainable routes for synthesizing aluminophosphate‐based zeolites are very important because of their wide applications. As a typical sustainable route, solvent‐free synthesis of zeolites not only decreases polluted wastes but also increases product yields. Systematic solvent‐free syntheses of hierarchically porous aluminophosphate‐based zeolites with AEL and AFI structures is presented. XRD patterns and SEM images show that these samples have high crystallinity. N₂ sorption isotherm tests show that these samples are hierarchically porous, and their surface areas are comparable with those of corresponding zeolites from hydrothermal route. Chosen as an example, catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene with O₂ shows that cobalt substituted APO‐11 from the solvent‐free route (S‐CoAPO‐11) is more active than conventional CoAPO‐11 from hydrothermal route owing to the sample hierarchical porosity.     

Broadening the Scope for Fluoride‐Free Synthesis of Siliceous Zeolites

Siliceous zeolites are ideally suited for emerging applications in gas separations, sensors, and the next generation of low‐k dielectric materials, but the use of fluoride in the synthesis significantly hinders their commercialization. Herein, we show that the dry gel conversion (DGC) technique can overcome this problem. Fluoride‐free synthesis of two siliceous zeolites—AMH‐4 (CHA‐type) and AMH‐5 (STT‐type), has been achieved for the first time using the method. Siliceous *BEA‐, MFI‐, and *MRE‐type zeolites have also been synthesized to obtain insights into the crystallization process. Charge‐balancing interactions between the inorganic cation, organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA), and Si?O^? defects are found to be an essential aspect. We quantify this factor in terms of the “OSDA charge/silica ratio” of the as‐made zeolites and demonstrate that the DGC technique is broadly applicable and opens up new avenues for fluoride‐free siliceous zeolite synthesis.     

高硅ZSM-5分子筛和二次合成Ti-ZSM-5分子筛的结构

运用度角旋转（MAS）和交叉极化（CP）等核磁共振波谱和红外光谱技术，分别对采用不同模板剂制备的高硅ZSM－5分子筛和以此为母体，经气固同晶取代法得到Ti－ZSM－5分子筛的结构特性进行了研究．结果表明：在水热法合成高硅ZSM-5分子筛过程中，模板剂明显制约着所制得的分子筛的结构特性．通过选用合适的模板剂，可直接获得具有正交晶系结构的高硅ZSM－5分子筛．在随后的气固相同晶取代过程中，钛原子通过占据分子筛骨架中的缺陷位进入骨架，形成具有一定Ti／Si比例的钛硅分子筛（Ti－ZSM－5）。骨架结构中缺陷位的含量直接影响分子筛的载钛量。     

Seed‐Assisted Synthesis of MWW‐Type Zeolite with Organic Structure‐Directing Agent‐Free Na‐Aluminosilicate Gel System

The seed‐assisted synthesis of zeolites without using organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) has enabled alternative routes to the simple, environmentally friendly and low‐cost production of industrially important zeolites. In this study, the successful seed‐assisted synthesis of MCM‐22 (MWW‐type) zeolite with an OSDA‐free gel is reported for the first time. MWW‐type zeolites are obtained by the addition of as‐synthesized MCM‐22 seeds prepared with hexamethyleneimine (HMI) into OSDA‐free Na‐aluminosilicate gels. Based on the results of XRD, ICP‐AES, NMR, N₂ physisorption and NH₃‐TPD, the product exhibited different features compared to those of the seeds. The H‐form product can serve as a catalyst in Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of anisole with 1‐phenylethanol, and its catalytic activity is comparable to the seeds. Furthermore, XRD, FE‐SEM, TG‐DTA, CHN, FT‐IR and NMR analyses of products and intermediates provide insights into the role of seeds and occluded HMI, the crystallization process, and key factors for achieving seed‐assisted synthesis of MWW‐type zeolites with an OSDA‐free gel system. The present results provide a new perspective for the economical and environmentally friendly production of MWW‐type zeolites.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metal Silicates

Organically templated metal phosphates have been extensively studied because of interesting structural chemistry and potential applications in catalysis. However, in most cases the organic templates cannot be removed without collapse of the frameworks. This is in contrast to the high thermal stability and extensive applications of zeolites in refinery and petrochemical processes.Therefore, studies have been directed to the synthesis of transition metal silicates to produce more stable frameworks. Our synthetic methods are twofold, namely mild hydrothermal reactions in Teflon-lined autoclaves at 100-200 ℃ using organic amines as templates and high-temperature,high-pressure hydrothermal reactions in gold ampoules contained in a high-pressure reaction vessel at ca. 550 ℃ and 150 Mpa using alkali metal cations as templates. In this presentation I will report the high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structures, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy of a number of new silicates of indium, uranium, and transition metals.     

Synthesis of ferrierite-type zeolite by microwave method using ethylenediamine as an organic structure-directing agent

A new method for the synthesis of ferrierite-type zeolite has been developed using microwave irradiation in the presence of structure-directing agents (templates). The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized zeolites were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption and SEM-EDX. When comparing the synthesis products, it was found that microwave irradiation significantly reduces the crystallization time of the synthesized zeolites compared to traditional hydrothermal treatment     

Ionothermal Synthesis of Germanosilicate Zeolites Constructed with Double‐Four‐Ring Structure‐Building Units in the Presence of Organic Base

The crystallization chemistry of silica‐based zeolites in ionic liquids remains highly puzzling and interesting in the field of zeolite science. Herein, we report the successful ionothermal synthesis of germanosilicate zeolites. The ionothermal templating effect with respect to the structure, alkalinity and concentration of organic additives was comparatively studied. The results showed that a small amount of organic base could effectively aid the dissolution of silica source and facilitate the crystallization of germanosilicate zeolites with ionic liquid as template. Remarkably, STW and IRR structures constructed with double‐four‐ring (D4R) structure‐building units were ionothermally prepared using 1‐ethyl/butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium and 1‐benzyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium ionic liquids as template, respectively. Ionothermal synthesis tailored with organic base showed suitable chemistry for the formation of germanium‐containing siliceous D4R units. This finding will be helpful for the rational exploration of novel extra‐large‐pore zeolitic structures.     

TEAOH-TMABr-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O体系中小晶粒offretite沸石的合成研究

不加无机强碱，在纯有机胺体系中合成了小晶粒offretite沸石，并采用XRD、SEM、FT-IR以及苯与丙烯烷基化制异丙苯探针反应对典型样品进行了结构性能表征。结果表明，采用四乙基氢氧化铵TEAOH与四甲基溴化铵TMABr为双模板剂时，TEAOH的量对合成产物影响很大，而TMABr的量增大容易导致生成Beta沸石。所合成的offretite沸石在苯与丙烯烷基化制异丙苯反应中活性和选择性较高。     

Advances in Total Synthesis of Some 2,3,5‐Trisubstituted Tetrahydrofuran Natural Products

2,3,5‐Trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran moiety is ubiquitous in natural products. These have served as appealing candidates for total synthesis due to their varied bio‐ and pharmaceutical activities. This tutorial review delineates the ingenious efforts by many researchers in the total synthesis of selected natural products based on a common 2,3,5‐trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran core structure. Many of the syntheses display nuanced interplay between new methods and the ingenuity of planned strategies achieved through catalysis or cascade chemistry. In some cases, the chiron approach has come quite handy, wherein the structural features and the stereochemistry in select molecules could map well with naturally available starting materials. This compilation also aims to enhance the diversity space based on these natural products and further interest in sustainable total synthesis.     

Carbon as a hard template for nano material catalysts

As one of the naturally abundant elements,carbon can present in different molecular structures(allotropes) and thus lead to various physical/chemical properties of carbon-based materials which have found wide applications in a variety of fields including electrochemistry,optical,adsorption and catalysis,etc.On the other hand,its different allotropes also endow carbon-based materials with various morphostructures,which have been recently explored to prepare oxides and zeolites/zeotypes with tailored structures.In this review,we mainly summarize the recent advances in using carbon materials as hard templates to synthesize structural materials.Specifically,we focus on the development in the synthetic strategies,such as endotemplating,exotemplating approaches and using carbon materials as chemical reagents for the synthesis of metal carbides or nitrides,with an emphasis laid on the control of morphostructure.Meanwhile,the applications of the obtained materials will be highlighted,especially,in the field of heterogeneous catalysis where enhanced performances have been achieved with the materials derived from carbon-templated methods.     

纳米多级孔分子筛：简短的综述

分子筛是一种三维微孔结构的硅铝酸盐晶体,具有灵活多变的骨架和组成、较高的物理和水热稳定性、无毒、高比表面积、离子可交换性以及很低的成本等特点,因而在油品精制、石油化学、农业、水和污水处理等众多领域中用作离子交换剂、催化剂和吸附剂。尽管分子筛的应用是基于其本身的微孔结构,但微孔也导致体积较大的反应物和产物分子的传质阻力高。通过制备纳米尺度和多级孔结构的分子筛等多种手段可克服常规分子筛所具有的传质限制。人们已经开发了多种方法制备了新型的分子筛材料,并考察了它们在各种催化反应和吸附反应中的性能。在反应体系中采用这种多级孔的纳米分子筛,有可能提高催化剂的使用寿命和催化性能,抑制积碳和失活。本综述概述了多级孔分子筛和纳米分子筛的高性能及其合成方法的最新进展,讨论了每个合成方法的优缺点,简述了纳米分子筛和二级孔结构分子筛的催化应用,并与常规分子筛进行了比较。     

介孔分子筛制备技术新进展—二次合成、超分子自组装和介孔生成剂法

具有内部介孔结构的多级孔分子筛兼具微孔分子筛和介孔材料的功能, 拥有良好的传质和催化特性. 在过去的几十年内, 介孔分子筛在催化、 吸附和分离领域发展迅速. 近年来, 新型合成方法的开发在很大程度上实现了介孔分子筛孔道结构、 组分及形貌灵活可控的调节. 本综述讨论了近期出现的多种新合成路径, 重点介绍了近期发展起来的二次合成制备低硅/铝介孔分子筛、 超分子自组装合成介孔分子筛及有机小分子原位合成介孔分子筛技术. 对这些合成技术的机理进行了讨论, 以期为介孔分子筛未来的发展提供思路. 文章的最后还讨论了不同的合成策略所面临的一些关键性挑战.     

Dual‐Mesoporous ZSM‐5 Zeolite with Highly b‐Axis‐Oriented Large Mesopore Channels for the Production of Benzoin Ethyl Ether

Dual‐mesoporous ZSM‐5 zeolite with highly b axis oriented large mesopores was synthesized by using nonionic copolymer F127 and cationic surfactant CTAB as co‐templates. The product contains two types of mesopores—smaller wormlike ones of 3.3 nm in size and highly oriented larger ones of 30–50 nm in diameter along the b axis—and both of them interpenetrate throughout the zeolite crystals and interconnect with zeolite microporosity. The dual‐mesoporous zeolite exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the condensation of benzaldehyde with ethanol and greater than 99 % selectivity for benzoin ethyl ether at room temperature, which can be ascribed to the zeolite lattice structure offering catalytically active sites and the hierarchical and oriented mesoporous structure providing fast access of reactants to these sites in the catalytic reaction. The excellent recyclability and high catalytic stability of the catalyst suggest prospective applications of such unique mesoporous zeolites in the chemical industry.     

Sustainable Synthesis of Pure Silica Zeolites from a Combined Strategy of Zeolite Seeding and Alcohol Filling

Currently, the synthesis of pure silica zeolites always requires the presence of organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs), which direct the assembly pathway and ultimately fill the pore space. A sustainable route is now reported for synthesizing pure silica zeolites in the absence of OSDAs from a combined strategy of zeolite seeding and alcohol filling, where the zeolite seeds direct crystallization of zeolite crystals from amorphous silica, while the alcohol is served as pore filling in the zeolites. Very importantly, the alcohol could be fully washed out from zeolite pores by water at room temperature, which completely avoids calcination at high temperature for removal of OSDAs in the synthesis of pure silica zeolites.     

Bioinspired and green synthesis of nanoparticles from plant extracts with antiviral and antimicrobial properties: A critical review

Currently green synthesis of nanoparticles has attained much interest because of their safe nature, environmentally benign, ease in manufacturing, and low production cost. It is a reliable process for developing a wide array of nanostructures such as metal salts from plants/fungal/bacterial extract and hybrid materials. Green synthesis of nanoparticles provided promising and sustainable alternative approach to conventional synthesis approaches. Recent studies demonstrated that nanoparticles are highly promising for antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Here in, the advancement in green synthesis of nanoparticles using natural compounds such as plant extracts, fruit juices and other relevant sources have been highlighted. A deep insight into antiviral and antimicrobial activities of these nanoparticles provided. These nanoparticles offer diverse opportunity to counter life threating viral and other antimicrobial infections. This review offers understanding of the recent data that provide the readers various strategies to design and develop advance nanomaterials via greener approach. Current challenges, critical overview and future outlook of the green synthesis of nanoparticles and possibilities of their effective and exotic exploration for antimicrobial and antiviral applications are summarized.     

Enzymatic Synthesis of a DNA Triblock Copolymer that is Composed of Natural and Unnatural Nucleotides

DNA molecules have come under the spotlight as potential templates for the fabrication of nanoscale products, such as molecular‐scale electronic or photonic devices. Herein, we report an enhanced approach for the synthesis of oligoblock copolymer‐type DNA by using the Klenow fragment exonuclease minus of E. coli DNA polymerase I (KF^?) in a multi‐step reaction with natural and unnatural nucleotides. First, we confirmed the applicability of unnatural nucleotides with 7‐deaza‐nucleosides—which was expected because they were non‐metalized nucleotides—on the unique polymerization process known as the “strand‐slippage model”. Because the length of the DNA sequence could be controlled by tuning the reaction time, analogous to a living polymerization reaction on this process, stepwise polymerization provided DNA block copolymers with natural and unnatural bases. AFM images showed that this DNA block copolymer could be metalized sequence‐selectively. This approach could expand the utility of DNA as a template.     

原位合成负载型MSU系列分子筛

采用原位合成法,使用壬基酚聚氧乙烯醚(Tx-15)和脂肪醇聚氧乙烯醚(AEO-19)做为模板剂,在中性条件下合成W.MSU-1和W-MSU-2介孔分子筛,合成中使用乙酰丙酮(HAcac)作为助剂,考察其对介孔结构的影响,通过X射线衍射仪(XRD)、傅里叶红外光谱仪(FT-IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)、低温N2吸附对样品进行表征.结果表明,加入过渡金属氧化物有助于介孔的形成,助剂的使用提高了孔的结构参数.     

Rapid Generation of Molecular Complexity by Chemical Synthesis: Highly Efficient Total Synthesis of Hexacyclic Alkaloid (−)‐Chaetominine and Its Biosynthetic Implications

The efficiency becomes a key issue in today's natural product total synthesis. While biomimetic synthesis is one of the most elegant strategies to achieve synthetic efficiency and thus to approach the ideal synthesis, most biogenetic pathways are unknown or unconfirmed. In this account, we demonstrate, through the shortest and also the most efficient asymmetric total syntheses of the hexacyclic alkaloid (?)‐chaetominine to date, that on the basis of biogenetic thinking, one can develop quite efficient bio‐inspired total synthesis, which in turn serves to suggest and chemically validate plausible biosynthetic routes for the natural product. The synthetic strategy thus developed is also inspiring for the development of other synthetic methods and efficient total synthesis of other natural products.