Increasing the ion-exchange capacity of MFI zeolites by introducing Zn to aluminosilicate frameworks.

MFI zeolites exchanged with various cations have gained a great deal of attention as catalysts. Increase in the ion-exchange capacity of zeolites can improve their catalytic properties by introducing more active sites; however, the ion-exchange capacity of MFI zeolites is limited by maximum aluminum content in the structure. To improve the ion-exchange capability of the MFI zeolites beyond the upper limit of the aluminosilicate MFI zeolites, we propose herein an approach to incorporate Zn(ii) in the zeolitic framework, because Zn in the framework sites generates two negative charges per atom.

Organic-free synthesis of zincoaluminosilicate zeolites from homogeneous gels prepared by a co-precipitation method.

Zeolites containing Zn in their frameworks are promising materials for ion-exchange and catalysis because of their unique ion-exchange capabilities and characteristic Lewis acidity. However, expensive organic compounds often required in their synthesis can prevent their practical uses. Here, a facile organic-free synthesis route for new zincoaluminosilicate zeolites having MOR topology, in which both Zn and Al are substituted in the framework, is demonstrated for the first time.