The synthetic microporous tellurites Na2[Me 2(TeO3)3]�3H2O (Me=Zn, Co): Crystal structure, De- and rehydration, and ion exchange properties

Abstract

The crystal structure investigations of hydrothermally synthesized Na2[Zn2(TeO3)3]·3H2O (NZT) and Na2[Co2(TeO3)3]·3H2O (NCT) using single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods revealed a microporous framework structure of hexagonal symmetry with tubular channels running parallel to the c-axis (zemannite type). The statistically occupied sites of the Na+ ions and H2O molecules within the channels as well as the channel dimensions indicate a possible zeolitic behaviour of the compounds. Thermoanalytical investigations ofNZT show an irreversible breakdown of the framework already atT=533 K caused by complete dehydration. A reversible rehydration was solely observed for partially dehydratedNZT (T⩽493 K); a remarkable ion exchange rate from alkali-chloride solutions was observed only for Li+. Both the rehydration and the ion exchange properties are characterized by relatively long reaction times. The relatively poor zeolitic properties compared to typical zeolitic compounds could be related to the stereochemical activity of the lone-pair electrons of the Te4+ atoms which claim a certain volume within the channels and constrict the effective channel dimension to a free diameter of approximately 2.5 A.