There is growing interest in zeolite science across a wide range of applications. Despite their extensive use, however, an understanding of their growth mechanism remains elusive. Here we will discuss the rational design of zeolite L crystals. We will discuss our studies of zeolite L crystallization in the presence of zeolite growth modifiers (ZGMs), which mediate anisotropic crystal growth through specific interactions with crystal faces. A library of modifiers ranging in length and functionality were investigated. Through the appropriate selection of ZGMs, zeolite L morphology can be markedly changed from high aspect ratio needle-like crystals to thin discs. ZGM hydrophobicity was found to be an effective molecular descriptor of its efficacy, while polymers proved to be more effective modifiers than their corresponding monomers. We will also discuss how atomic force microscopy was used to probe zeolite surfaces at the microscopic level, revealing unique surface features induced by ZGM-crystal interactions.

Tuning physicochemical properties of growth modifiers to regulate zeolite crystallization

245th National Meeting (2013)

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