Nanocrystalline TON-type zeolites synthesized under static conditions

Pure-phase zeolites of the TON-type were synthesized under static hydrothermal conditions, which previously have, typically, required stirring during synthesis. Heterocyclic structure directing agents (SDAs) were observed to play important roles in both the selection of the polymorphs as well as in affecting the morphology of the particles formed. When an imidazole-based SDA was used snowflake-shaped particles formed, which indicated a dendritic growth pattern of the zeolite. These zeolite particles possessed intercrystalline mesopores. To the best of our knowledge, it is for the first time that snowflake-shaped particles have been observed for TON-type zeolites. Other synthesis parameters were optimized to obtain crystals with short c-axes. The c-axis shortened with an increased solid concentration used during synthesis. This shortening was attributed to both the degree of supersaturation, and a change of the crystal growth mechanism. Short c-axes could increase the concentration of pore mouths in TON-type zeolites. Altogether, synthesis of nanocrystalline zeolites of the TON type under static condition could, potentially, be advantageous to large-scale production.