Modifying the Crystal Habit of Zeolite L by Addition of an Organic Space Filler

Abstract

The crown ether 21-crown-7 was found to be effective as a crystal habit modifier of zeolite L. The function of the template was to facilitate the bridging of cancrinite columns on the {101̅0} face and hence increase the crystal diameter while hindering growth in the long axis of the crystal. The rational selection of 21-crown-7, over a choice of other candidate molecules, was carried out by calculating the binding energy of the molecules inside the zeolite L pore cavity using ZEBEDEE. This work is an excellent example of effectively applying understanding obtained from studying the crystal growth of a zeolite to exert control over a particular growth process.