Silica sodalite without occluded organic matters by topotactic conversion of lamellar precursor.
Novel pure silica sodalite with hollow sodalite-cages has been synthesized for the first time by topotactic conversion of layered silicate (RUB-15) precursor. This success has been achieved by stepwise syntheses from silicate monomers, through clusters and layers, to microporous crystals. The pretreatment of layered silicate with small carboxylic acids before conversion is a crucial step. The obtained sodalite possesses accessible micropores, as confirmed by physical adsorption of hydrogen molecules. This plate-like silica sodalite would be very promising as fillers in mixed-matrix membranes for hydrogen separation.
Moteki
Takahiko
T
Department of Chemical System Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
Chaikittisilp
Watcharop
W
Shimojima
Atsushi
A
Okubo
Tatsuya
T