Towards the Rational Design and Synthesis of Zeolites

Abstract

AbstractThe mechanisms by which the geometries of organic structure-directing agents are translated into the product pore architectures in the syntheses of pure-silica and high-silica zeolites and of aluminum-rich zeolites are discussed. Two different mechanisms of structure direction and self-assembly via the formation of extended inorganic-organic composite structures or of purelyinorganic structures are proposed for the two different classes of materials. The primary impetus for developing a mechanistic understanding of zeolite synthesis is the ultimate goal of the rational design and synthesis of novel zeolite pore architectures. By considering issues such as hydrophobic hydration behavior of the structure-directing agent and the optimization of inorganic–organic van der Waals interactions, the successful design of structure-directing agents for the synthesis of new zeolite structures may be possible, particularly for high-silica systems.