Methylcellulose-Directed Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Zeolite NaA with High CO₂ Uptake.

Zeolite NaA nanocrystals with a narrow particle size distribution were prepared by template-free hydrothermal synthesis in thermo-reversible methylcellulose gels. The effects of the amount of methylcellulose, crystallization time and hydrothermal treatment temperature on the crystallinity and particle size distribution of the zeolite NaA nanocrystals were investigated. We found that the thermogelation of methylcellulose in the alkaline Na₂O-SiO₂-Al₂O₃-H₂O system played an important role in controlling the particle size.

Laminated adsorbents with very rapid CO2 uptake by freeze-casting of zeolites.

Structured zeolite 13X monoliths with a laminated structure and hierarchical macro-/microporosity were prepared by freeze-casting aqueous suspensions of zeolite 13X powder, bentonite, and polyethylene glycol. Colloidally stable suspensions with a low viscosity at both room temperature and near freezing could be prepared at alkaline conditions where both the zeolite 13X powder and bentonite carry a negative surface charge. Slow directional freezing of the suspensions led to the formation of well-defined and thin lamellar pores and pore walls while fast freezing resulted in more cylindrical pores.

A zeolite family with chiral and achiral structures built from the same building layer.

Porosity and chirality are two of the most important properties for materials in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Inorganic microporous materials such as zeolites have been widely used in ion-exchange, selective sorption/separation and catalytic processes. The pore size and shape in zeolites play important roles for specific applications.