Sustainable Routes for Synthesis of Zeolite Catalysts

Abstract

Zeolite catalysts with unique porous features have been widely applied in the fields of oil refining, petrochemical processes, and environmental protection. This chapter describes sustainable routes for synthesis of zeolite catalysts, in particular to the organotemplate-free and solvent-free approaches. The combination of organotemplate-free and solvent-free routes to synthesize zeolites would open a new door for savings in the organic templates and solvents in the zeolite synthesis. After the discovery of solvent-free synthesis of zeolites reported by Ren and his team, Morris and his team highlighted the scientific importance of solvent-free synthesis and noted that the combination of solvent-free routes and organotemplate-free synthesis should be the ultimate goal for preparation of zeolites based on a green chemistry viewpoint. Accordingly, Xiao and coworkers showed a sustainable strategy for preparation of BEA and MFI zeolite using a combination of organotemplate and solvent-free routes.