Layer-like FAU-type zeolites: A comparative view on different preparation routes

Abstract

The creation of intergrown layer-like zeolite crystals is one route to form hierarchical zeolites. Faujasite-type (FAU-type) zeolites are among the industrially most important zeolites and the implementation of hierarchical porosity is a promising way to optimise their catalytic and adsorptive performance. After a short general survey into routes for the preparation of hierarchical pore systems in FAU, we will review the currently existing strategies for the synthesis of FAU with layer-like morphology. Those strategies are mainly based on the presence of morphology modifying agents in the synthesis mixture. However, a very recent approach is the synthesis of layer-like FAU-type zeolite crystals assembled in an intergrown manner in the absence of such additives, just by finely adjusting the crystallization temperature. This additive-free preparation route for layer-like FAU, which appears very attractive from an ecological as well as economic point of view, is highlighted in this review. Concluding, a comparison, including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen physisorption and elemental analysis, between conventional FAU and three layer-like FAU obtained by different synthesis routes was carried out to show the structural, morphological and textural differences and similarities of these materials.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

FAU / hierarchical zeolite / layer-like morphology

References

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Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Bavarian Research Foundation (BFS), from the State of Bavaria in frame of the projekt BTHA- FV-17 and the support of the Cluster of Excellence “Engineering of Advanced Materials” at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg founded by the DFG. We thank Professor Michael Tsapatsis and his co-workers, University of Minnesota, for their kind support of the TEM measurements. Parts of this work were carried out in the Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota, which receives partial support from NSF through the MRSEC program.

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