Zeolites are a class of crystalline oxides that have uniform and molecular-sized pores (0.3~1.2 nm in diameter). Zeolites have been widely used in catalysis, ion exchange, and separation. Recently, other applications of zeolites in their film forms have emerged ranging from computer chips to space stations. Zeolites are normally prepared using hydrothermal synthesis method, which takes place in sealed vessels and involves significant amount of autogenous pressure. The required high pressure is not convenient for a large-scale and continuous production process, especially for certain applications of zeolites thin films where the current technologies are dominated by ambient pressure processes. Recently, a new ionothermal method was introduced to the synthesis of zeolites under ambient pressure in open vessels, in which ionic liquids were used as solvents instead of water or other organic solvents. One of the most interesting properties of ionic liquids is their negligible vapor pressure even at relatively high temperatures, allowing zeolites to be prepared at ambient pressure. A major challenge for zeolite film synthesis is control of crystal orientation. Here, we present a simple ionothermal method to prepare aluminophosphate zeolite with controllable orientation by manipulating the mixture composition and growth conditions. The in-plane zeolite film shows excellent corrosion resistance for Al alloys. The c-out-of-plane zeolite film shows great molecular sieving ability on a zeolite-modified electrode.

Ionothermal syntheisis of oriented zoelite films

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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