High‐Silica Zeolite SSZ‐61 with Dumbbell‐Shaped Extra‐Large‐Pore Channels

The synthesis of the high‐silica zeolite SSZ‐61 using a particularly bulky polycyclic structure‐directing agent and the subsequent elucidation of its unusual framework structure with extra‐large dumbbell‐shaped pore openings are described. By using information derived from a variety of X‐ray powder diffraction and electron microscopy techniques, the complex framework structure, with 20 Si atoms in the asymmetric unit, could be determined and the full structure refined. The Si atoms at the waist of the dumbbell are only three‐connected and are bonded to terminal O atoms pointing into the channel. Unlike the six previously reported extra‐large‐pore zeolites, SSZ‐61 contains no heteroatoms in the framework and can be calcined easily. This, coupled with the possibility of inserting a catalytically active center in the channel between the terminal O atoms in place of H⁺, afford SSZ‐61 intriguing potential for catalytic applications.     

Preferential Siting of Aluminum Heteroatoms in the Zeolite Catalyst Al‐SSZ‐70

The adsorption and reaction properties of heterogeneous zeolite catalysts (e.g. for catalytic cracking of petroleum, partial oxidation of natural gas) depend strongly on the types and distributions of Al heteroatoms in the aluminosilicate frameworks. The origins of these properties have been challenging to discern, owing in part to the structural complexity of aluminosilicate zeolites. Herein, combined solid‐state NMR and synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction analyses show the Al atoms locate preferentially in certain framework sites in the zeolite catalyst Al‐SSZ‐70. Through‐covalent‐bond 2D ²⁷Al{²⁹Si} J‐correlation NMR spectra allow distinct framework Al sites to be identified and their relative occupancies quantified. The analyses show that 94 % of the Al atoms are located at the surfaces of the large‐pore interlayer channels of Al‐SSZ‐70, while only 6 % are in the sub‐nm intralayer channels. The selective siting of Al atoms accounts for the reaction properties of catalysts derived from SSZ‐70.     

Widening Synthesis Bottlenecks: Realization of Ultrafast and Continuous‐Flow Synthesis of High‐Silica Zeolite SSZ‐13 for NOx Removal

Characteristics of zeolite formation, such as being kinetically slow and thermodynamically metastable, are the main bottlenecks that obstruct a fast zeolite synthesis. We present an ultrafast route, the first of its kind, to synthesize high‐silica zeolite SSZ‐13 in 10 min, instead of the several days usually required. Fast heating in a tubular reactor helps avoid thermal lag, and the synergistic effect of addition of a SSZ‐13 seed, choice of the proper aluminum source, and employment of high temperature prompted the crystallization. Thanks to the ultra‐short period of synthesis, we established a continuous‐flow preparation of SSZ‐13. The fast‐synthesized SSZ‐13, after copper‐ion exchange, exhibits outstanding performance in the ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH₃‐SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NO_x), showing it to be a superior catalyst for NO_x removal. Our results indicate that the formation of high‐silica zeolites can be extremely fast if bottlenecks are effectively widened.     

Defect Models of As‐Made High‐Silica Zeolites: Clusters of Hydrogen‐Bonds and Their Interaction with the Organic Structure‐Directing Agents Determined from 1H Double and Triple Quantum NMR Spectroscopy

Internal defect SiOH and SiO^? groups evolve during the structure formation of high‐Si zeolites in the presence of a cationic organic structure‐directing agent (SDA). These negatively charged defects do not completely disappear upon calcination. Herein we investigate the clustering of defect groups and their location within the pore walls of four zeolites. ZSM‐12, ZSM‐5, and SSZ‐74 have three clustered SiOH groups which are hydrogen‐bonded to SiO^?, whereas SSZ‐24 has only two. These defects interact with the structure‐directing quaternary ammonium ions preferably close to the charge center, unless steric shielding is present. The framework topologies of ZSM‐12, ZSM‐5, and SSZ‐24 have connected six‐rings where the organics interact with the defects. It is suggested that these six‐ring patterns form connectivity defects. SSZ‐74 is unique, it does not contain an extended six‐ring motif, so vacancy defects form instead.     

An Extra‐Large‐Pore Zeolite with 24×8×8‐Ring Channels Using a Structure‐Directing Agent Derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Extra‐large‐pore zeolites have attracted much interest because of their important applications for processing larger molecules. Although great progress has been made in academic science and industry, it is challenging to synthesize these materials. A new extra‐large‐pore zeolite SYSU‐3 (Sun Yat‐sen University no. 3) has been synthesized by using a novel sophoridine derivative as an organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA). The framework structure was solved and refined using continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED) data from nanosized crystals. SYSU‐3 exhibits a new zeolite framework topology, which has the first 24×8×8‐ring extra‐large‐pore system and a framework density (FD) as low as 11.4 T/1000 ų. The unique skeleton of the OSDA plays an essential role in the formation of the distinctive zeolite structure. This work provides a new perspective for developing new zeolitic materials by using alkaloids as cost‐effective OSDAs.     

Targeted Synthesis of Ultrastable High‐Silica RHO Zeolite Through Alkali Metal–Crown Ether Interaction

High‐silica RHO zeolite was directly synthesized using an alkali metal‐crown ether (AMCE) complex as organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA). Derived from the UV‐vis spectra and zeolite patterns, the crown ether‐cesium cation interaction was found to have crucial effect on the enhancement of silica content within the zeolite framework. The synthesized RHO zeolites possess up to four times larger silica/alumina ratio (SAR) values than that in their conventional form, which gives them extraordinarily rigid frameworks even after hydrothermal aging under 800 °C. Compared to commercial zeolites, copper‐exchanged high‐silica RHO zeolites demonstrate considerably high reaction activity in NO_X removal, making them promising candidates for diesel exhaust treatment.     

Hierarchically Self‐Assembled Star‐Shaped ZnO Microparticles for Electrochemical Sensing of Amines

Novel, hierarchically nanostructured, star‐shaped ZnO (SSZ) microparticles are synthesized by a hydrothermal synthetic route. The SSZ microparticles serve as effective platforms for electrochemical detection of amines in solution. The morphology and structure of the materials are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The as‐synthesized SSZ microparticles comprise self‐assembled hexagonal prisms that possess nanometer and micrometer pores in their structure and on their surfaces—structural features that are conducive to sensing applications. An electrode fabricated by using the hierarchically nanostructured SSZ materials serve as a sensitive electrochemical sensor for detection of low concentrations of ethylenediamine, with a sensitivity of 2.98×10^?2 mA cm^?2 mm ^?1, a detection limit of 2.36×10^?2 mm , and a short response time of 8 s.     

A Stable Silanol Triad in the Zeolite Catalyst SSZ‐70

Nests of three silanol groups are located on the internal pore surface of calcined zeolite SSZ‐70. 2D ¹H double/triple‐quantum single‐quantum correlation NMR experiments enable a rigorous identification of these silanol triad nests. They reveal a close proximity to the structure directing agent (SDA), that is, N,N′‐diisobutyl imidazolium cations, in the as‐synthesized material, in which the defects are negatively charged (silanol dyad plus one charged SiO^? siloxy group) for charge balance. It is inferred that ring strain prevents the condensation of silanol groups upon calcination and removal of the SDA to avoid energetically unfavorable three‐rings. In contrast, tetrad nests, created by boron extraction from B‐SSZ‐70 at various other locations, are not stable and silanol condensation occurs. Infrared spectroscopic investigations of adsorbed pyridine indicate an enhanced acidity of the silanol triads, suggesting important implications in catalysis.     

Zeolite‐Type Metal Oxalate Frameworks

While many metal oxalate salts are known, few are known to form zeolite‐type topologies. The construction of zeolite types, especially those with low framework density such as RHO, from linear ligands is generally perceived as less likely, because the 180° metal‐ligand‐metal geometry deviates too much from the established strategy of using ligands with bent coordination geometry (centered around 145°) to mimic the geometry in natural zeolites. We show the general feasibility of using linear ligands for the synthesis of zeolite types by reporting a family of indium oxalate salts with multiple zeolite topologies, including RHO, GIS, and ABW. Of particular interest is the synthesis of a zeolite RHO net with double 8‐rings and large alpha cages, which are highly desirable zeolite features.     

Facile Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Behavior of a Large‐Pore Zeolite with the IWV Framework

Large‐pore microporous materials are of great interest to process bulky hydrocarbon and biomass‐derived molecules. ITQ‐27 (IWV) has a two‐dimensional pore system bounded by 12‐membered rings (MRs) that lead to internal cross‐sections containing 14 MRs. Investigations into the catalytic behavior of aluminosilicate (zeolite) materials with this framework structure have been limited until now due to barriers in synthesis. The facile synthesis of aluminosilicate IWV in both hydroxide and fluoride media is reported herein using simple, diquaternary organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) that are based on tetramethylimidazole. In hydroxide media, a zeolite product with Si/Al=14.8–23.2 is obtained, while in fluoride media an aluminosilicate product with Si/Al up to 82 is synthesized. The material produced in hydroxide media is tested for the hydroisomerization of n‐hexane, and results from this test reaction suggest that the effective pore size of zeolites with the IWV framework structure is similar to but slightly larger than that of ZSM‐12 (MTW), in fairly good agreement with crystallographic data.     

CIT‐9: A Fault‐Free Gmelinite Zeolite

A synthetic, fault‐free gmelinite (GME) zeolite is prepared using a specific organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA), cis‐3,5‐dimethylpiperidinium. The cis‐isomers align in the main 12‐membered ring (MR) channel of GME. Trans‐isomer OSDA leads to the small‐pore zeolite SSZ‐39 with the OSDA in its cages. Data from N₂‐physisorption and rotation electron diffraction provide evidence for the openness of the 12 MR channel in the GME 12×8×8 pore architecture and the absence of stacking faults, respectively. CIT‐9 is hydrothermally stable when K⁺‐exchanged, while in the absence of exchange, the material transforms into an aluminous AFI‐zeolite. The process of this phase‐change was followed by in situ variable temperature powder X‐ray diffraction. CIT‐9 has the highest Si/Al ratio reported for GME, and along with its good porosity, opens the possibility of using GME in a variety of applications including catalysis.     

Direct Detection of Supramolecular Reaction Centers in the Methanol‐to‐Olefins Conversion over Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 by 13C–27Al Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy

Hydrocarbon‐pool chemistry is important in methanol to olefins (MTO) conversion on acidic zeolite catalysts. The hydrocarbon‐pool (HP) species, such as methylbenzenes and cyclic carbocations, confined in zeolite channels during the reaction are essential in determining the reaction pathway. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate the formation of supramolecular reaction centers composed of organic hydrocarbon species and the inorganic zeolite framework in H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite by advanced ¹³C–²⁷Al double‐resonance solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Methylbenzenes and cyclic carbocations located near Brønsted acid/base sites form the supramolecular reaction centers in the zeolite channel. The internuclear spatial interaction/proximity between the ¹³C nuclei (associated with HP species) and the ²⁷Al nuclei (associated with Brønsted acid/base sites) determines the reactivity of the HP species. The closer the HP species are to the zeolite framework Al, the higher their reactivity in the MTO reaction.     

Critical Factors in the Seed‐Assisted Synthesis of Zeolite Beta and “Green Beta” from OSDA‐Free Na+–Aluminosilicate Gels

Organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA)‐free synthesis of zeolite beta is a subject of both scientific and industrial interest. Herein, we report a comprehensive investigation into the effects of various parameters on the seed‐assisted crystallization of zeolite beta in the absence of OSDA. The crystallization behavior of “OSDA‐free beta” is strongly governed by the chemical composition of the starting Na⁺‐aluminosilicate gel as well as by the Si/Al ratios of the calcined beta seed crystals, which are prepared using tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH). Furthermore, OSDA‐free beta seed crystals can be used to form zeolite beta, termed “green beta”. XRD, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and ²⁷Al magic angle spinning NMR analyses showed that the OSDA‐free beta and green beta were of high purity and crystallinity. The nitrogen adsorption–desorption of OSDA‐free beta and green beta revealed higher surface areas and larger volumes in the micropore region than those of the beta seeds synthesized with OSDA after calcination. These results provide a robust and reliable process for the environmentally friendly production of high‐quality zeolite beta in a completely OSDA‐free Na⁺‐aluminosilicate system.     

Rapid Synthesis of an Aluminum‐Rich MSE‐Type Zeolite by the Hydrothermal Conversion of an FAU‐Type Zeolite

An aluminum‐rich MSE‐type zeolite (Si/Al is as small as 7) has been successfully synthesized in a remarkably short crystallization period of only 3 days by the hydrothermal conversion of an FAU‐type zeolite, presumably by the assembly of four‐membered‐ring (4‐R) aluminosilicate oligomers supplied by the double 6‐R (D6R) components of the FAU framework with the aid of the structure‐directing agents and seed crystals. The dealuminated version of the aluminum‐rich MSE‐type zeolite showed a high level of coke durability in addition to a significant yield of propylene, which indicates that this novel zeolitic material is suitable for industrial applications as a highly selective and long‐lived catalyst.     

A Stable Extra‐Large‐Pore Zeolite with Intersecting 14‐ and 10‐Membered‐Ring Channels

The development of inorganic frameworks with extra‐large pores (larger than 12‐membered rings) has attracted considerable attention because of their potential applications in catalysis, the separation of large molecules, and so forth. We herein report the synthesis of the new extra‐large‐pore zeolite NUD‐2 by using the supramolecular self‐assembly of simple aromatic organic cations as structure‐directing agents (SDAs). NUD‐2 is a high‐silicon‐content germanosilicate with interconnecting 14×10‐membered‐ring channels. The SDAs in NUD‐2 can be removed by calcination in air at 550 °C to yield permanent pores with a BET surface area of 500 m²g^?1. Both germanium and organic cations in NUD‐2 can also be removed by treatment with acid at lower temperature, thus not only affording recycling of germanium and SDAs, but also providing a highly stable siliceous zeolite. In addition, aluminum ions can be incorporated into the framework of NUD‐2. The NUD‐2 structure is yet another extra‐large‐pore zeolite synthesized by using the supramolecular self‐assembling templating approach, thus demonstrating that this approach is a general and applicable strategy for synthesis of new large‐ and extra‐large‐pore zeolites.     

An Hetero‐Epitaxially Grown Zeolite Membrane

The secondary growth methodology to form zeolite membranes has stringent requirements for homogeneous epitaxial intergrowth of the seed layer and limits the number of accessible high‐quality zeolite membranes. Despite previous reports on hetero‐epitaxial growth, high‐performance zeolite membranes have yet to be reported using this approach. Here, the successful hetero‐epitaxial growth of highly siliceous ZSM‐58 (DDR‐type zeolite) films from a SSZ‐13 (CHA‐type zeolite) seed layer is reported. The resulting membranes show excellent CO₂ perm‐selectivities, having maximum CO₂ /N₂ and CO₂ /CH₄ separation factors (SFs) as high as about 17 and 279, respectively, at 30 °C. Furthermore, the hybrid membrane maintains the CO₂ perm‐selectivity in the presence of water vapor (the third main component in both cases), that is, CO₂ /N₂ SF of about 14 and CO₂ /CH₄ SF of about 78, respectively, at 50 °C (a representative temperature of both CO₂‐containing streams).     

PST‐24: A Zeolite with Varying Intracrystalline Channel Dimensionality

Herein we report the synthesis, structure solution, and catalytic properties of PST‐24, a novel channel‐based medium‐pore zeolite. This zeolite was synthesized via the excess fluoride approach. Electron diffraction shows that its structure is built by composite cas‐zigzag (cas‐zz) building chains, which are connected by double 5‐ring (d5r) columns. While the cas‐zz building chains are ordered in the PST‐24 framework, the d5r columns adopt one of two possible arrangements; the two adjacent d5r columns are either at the same height or at different heights, denoted arrangements S and D, which can be regarded as open and closed valves that connect the channels, respectively. A framework with arrangement D only has a 2D 10‐ring channel system, whereas that with arrangement S only contains 3D channels. In actual PST‐24 crystals, the open and closed valves are almost randomly dispersed to yield a zeolite framework where the channel dimensionality varies locally from 2D to 3D.     

Fully Copper‐Exchanged High‐Silica LTA Zeolites as Unrivaled Hydrothermally Stable NH3‐SCR Catalysts

Diesel engine technology is still the most effective solution to meet tighter CO₂ regulations in the mobility and transport sector. In implementation of fuel‐efficient diesel engines, the poor thermal durability of lean nitrogen oxides (NO_x ) aftertreatment systems remains as one major technical hurdle. Divalent copper ions when fully exchanged into high‐silica LTA zeolites are demonstrated to exhibit excellent activity maintenance for NO_x reduction with NH₃ under vehicle simulated conditions even after hydrothermal aging at 900 °C, a critical temperature that the current commercial Cu‐SSZ‐13 catalyst cannot overcome owing to thermal deactivation. Detailed structural characterizations confirm the presence of Cu²⁺ ions only at the center of single 6‐rings that act not only as a catalytically active center, but also as a dealumination suppressor. The overall results render the copper‐exchanged LTA zeolite attractive as a viable substitute for Cu‐SSZ‐13.     

Hexane Cracking over Steamed Phosphated Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5: Promotional Effect on Catalyst Performance and Stability

The nature behind the promotional effect of phosphorus on the catalytic performance and hydrothermal stability of zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 has been studied using a combination of ²⁷Al and ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopy, soft X‐ray absorption tomography and n‐hexane catalytic cracking, complemented with NH₃ temperature‐programmed desorption and N₂ physisorption. Phosphated H‐ZSM‐5 retains more acid sites and catalytic cracking activity after steam treatment than its non‐phosphated counterpart, while the selectivity towards propylene is improved. It was established that the stabilization effect is twofold. First, the local framework silico‐aluminophosphate (SAPO) interfaces, which form after phosphatation, are not affected by steam and hold aluminum atoms fixed in the zeolite lattice, preserving the pore structure of zeolite H‐ZSM‐5. Second, the four‐coordinate framework aluminum can be forced into a reversible sixfold coordination by phosphate. These species remain stationary in the framework under hydrothermal conditions as well. Removal of physically coordinated phosphate after steam‐treatment leads to an increase in the number of strong acid sites and increased catalytic activity. We propose that the improved selectivity towards propylene during catalytic cracking can be attributed to local SAPO interfaces located at channel intersections, where they act as impediments in the formation of bulky carbenium ions and therefore suppress the bimolecular cracking mechanism.     

Interrupted Chalcogenide‐Based Zeolite‐Analogue Semiconductor: Atomically Precise Doping for Tunable Electro‐/Photoelectrochemical Properties

Incorporation of semiconductor property into zeolite materials is a plausible approach to graft oxide zeolites with multifunctionality in which both electronic/optoelectronic functions and high porosity are integrated. However, creating such semiconductor zeolites, especially the ones with controllable function regulation still remains as a great synthetic challenge over the years. Hereby, we reported the first case of an interrupted chalcogenide‐based zeolite‐analog semiconductor with an entirely new boracite‐related framework and specific sites at the interrupted section. The semiconducting nature and band structure of this open‐framework n‐type semiconductor material were characterized with solid‐state UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky measurements. More importantly, the In–Se chalcogenide zeolite analog was for the first time explored as an effective electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The specific indium sites served as active centers and proved to be responsible for a superior ORR activity. Meanwhile, these specific sites could be precisely replaced by bismuth(III) ions, leading to facile manipulation in their electro‐/photoelectrochemical properties. Such atomically precise doping successfully implemented at the semiconductor zeolite material with specifically interrupted sites presents a very promising route for accurately regulating electronic structure and photoelectrical properties of other open‐framework semiconductor materials.