Silicalite-1 containing microspheres prepared using shape-directing macro-templates

Abstract

Silicalite-1 microspheres were prepared by a novel method based on the use of anion exchange resins as shape-directing macro-templates. In a first step, spherical beads of the ion exchange resin were hydrothermally treated in a silicalite-1 synthesis solution. This resulted in the crystallization of silicalite-1 in the pores of the resin and the formation of a silicalite-1/resin composite material. The organic ion exchange resin was then removed by calcination leaving self-bonded spherical particles of silicalite-1. The influence of the type of ion exchange resin, the treatment time as well as the weight ratio between synthesis solution and resin on the properties of the resultant materials were investigated. The silicalite-1 containing microspheres were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, nitrogen adsorption and microhardness measurements.