A Review on the Influence Factors in the Synthesis of Zeolites and the Transformation Behavior of Silicon and Aluminum During the Process

ABSTRACT

Zeolites are widely used in fields such as separation and catalysis due to their unique pore structure. However, the complexity of its crystallization process and growth mechanism presents challenges for the research and exploitation of novel zeolites. In order to achieve the development of new zeolites with specific structures and properties, this study delves into the key factors in zeolite synthesis and dealumination processes, as well as their impact on zeolite synthesis, from the perspective of changes in silicon and aluminum. It was found that selecting silicon and aluminum sources with high activity and high specific surface area could achieve the best dissolution effect, and the suitable alkalinity could help to enhance the solubility and reactivity of silicon and aluminum sources, which in turn could improve the crystallinity and yield of zeolite. Prolonging the crystallization time and increasing the crystallization temperature can accelerate the nucleation and growth of aluminosilicate gel and reduce the anticrystallization phenomenon. In addition, precise control of the pore structure of zeolite can be achieved by controlling the selection of template agents and the conditions of dealumination treatment, thereby improving the application performance of zeolite. In this study, we reveal the deep connection between influence factors, zeolite synthesis, and silicon-aluminum variations, which provides new perspectives and methods for the exploitation and application of novel zeolites. Meanwhile, through a deep understanding of the mechanism of influence factors on zeolite synthesis, it is able to target and regulate the synthesis conditions to achieve the desired zeolite structure and properties, which not only improves the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the synthesis, but also establishes a solid foundation for the further development and wide application of zeolites.

Highlights

• Clarified the migration and conversion of silica-aluminum in zeolite synthesis

• Summarized the dealumination of zeolite by different post-treatment methods

• Coupled synthesis and post-treatment to construct high-silica zeolite with

• hierarchical pore

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Zeolite synthesis
• influence factors
• silicon-alumina migration
• dealumination
• hierarchical pore

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22008255), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2022YFC3701901 and Grant No. 2022YFD2200904), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 2022XJHH06 and Grant No. 2023ZKPYHH02).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [Grant No. 2022XJHH06]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 22008255].