Abstract
Surface structures of three zeolites, mordenite (MOR), heulandite (HEU), and Linde Type A (LTA), were investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The arrangement of 12-membered rings on the (0 0 1) surface of MOR was observed for the first time. Direct imaging of the morphological changes in the dissolving surface of HEU in an acidic or alkaline aqueous solution revealed that the aluminosilicate layers of HEU dissolved from terraces by a layer-by-layer process. This unique dissolution process is due to the characteristic pore structure of HEU. The AFM imaging of the (1 0 0) surface of LTA revealed that double four-rings (D4Rs) are stable units in the crystal growth of LTA and that each terrace has different structure depending on where the bulk structure terminates. This study demonstrates the potential use of AFM to provide information at the atomic level about the zeolite's surface structure vital to the further development of this important class of materials in the field of catalysis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
