Here we report a facile synthesis of mesoporous zeolites using inexpensive quaternary ammonia salt and anionic surfactant in a single-pot condition. The discovery of such an innovative pathway is attributed to unconventional assembly of zeolite beta seed in diluted systems of quaternary ammonia salts that initially form spherical micelles assembling with inorganic precursors at 40-55 °C and later serve as bilayer templates for mesochannels. The formation of the mesochannels can be directly monitored by time-dependent small-angle X-ray scatterings (SAXS) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, confirming presence of mesopore expansion and periodicity domains (6-10 nm) during the assembly. In addition, unique IR vibration modes (500-600 cm-1) and polygon-pore morphology in SEM images rationally support our hypothesis of five-member rings as in the zeolites comprising of the nanoparticles. Other structural and chemical analyses, such NH3-TDP and 27Al NMR, are currently under the way to explore the acidic natures of the zeolite in these mesoporous nanoparticles.

Direct assembly of zeolite beta into mesoporous nanoparticles

249th National Meeting (2015)

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