Ultrafast green synthesis of sub-micron Silicalite-1 zeolites by a grinding method

Abstract

Sub-micron Silicalite-1 zeolite is traditionally synthesized by a prolonged synthesis approach which takes several days to complete. We herein demonstrate a rapid solvent-free synthesis route for sub-micron Silicalite-1 zeolite using TPAOH as an organic template to control the triple stage crystal growth rate and crystal morphologies of Silicalite-1 without the assistance of crystal seeds. This procedure is only achieved through simple mixing and grinding of raw materials and crystallization at 180 ​°C for 45 ​min. The fast synthesized Silicalite-1 zeolite proved to have higher crystal phases compared with the conventionally synthesized product. Through the absence of using additional solvents, all reactants were ultimately utilized without any waste, resulting in not only effectively reducing the cost of siliceous zeolites synthesis but also minimizing its environmental impact.