title: Rapid synthesis of MFI zeolite nanocrystals.
abstract: A rapid synthesis procedure for nonagglomerated silicalite nanocrystals has been developed. This was achieved by concentrating the precursor sol before 10-12 h of aging at 80 degrees C, followed by hydrothermal synthesis at 175 degrees C for 90 min. The high silica concentration in the concentrated sol accelerated the aggregation of primary units that were present early in the system. Thus, little silica nutrients were left for growth when the secondary particles were converted to zeolite during hydrothermal reaction. As a result, fully dispersible nanocrystals were obtained within a day instead of weeks as reported previously. The aggregation of primary units during the 80 degrees C aging process as well as the conversion of these aggregates into zeolite has been followed by DLS, XRD, and FTIR. In light of the new results, the nucleation and growth mechanisms of MFI zeolite that have been under debate in the literature were reexamined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, National Central University, 300 JungDa Rd., Chung Li, Taiwan ROC 32054.
authors.forename: Cheng-Ye
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Anthony S T
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Chiang
authors.forename: Rosilda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Selvin
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D003460:Crystallization; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D013696:Temperature; D017641:Zeolites / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D017641:Zeolites