October 7, 2024

Abstract

This presentation will review concepts for the synthesis and application of nanosized zeolites. The rational control of template-free synthesis produces nanosized zeolites with exceptional properties: (1) extremely small crystallites (10-15 nm) with a narrow particle size distribution, (2) very high crystalline yields (above 80%), (3) micropore volume (0.30 cm³g⁻¹) comparable to their conventional micron-sized counterparts, (4) adjustable Si/Al ratios, and (5) excellent thermal stability. Another key feature is the excellent colloidal stability of nanosized zeolites, which facilitates uniform dispersion on supports for applications in catalysis, sorption, and thin-to-thick coatings.

The synthesis of nanozeolites with controlled silanol defects will be presented. Defect-free nanosized zeolites are prepared by introducing atomically dispersed metals as defect-preventing elements. Metals (M) block defect formation in nanosized zeolite crystals (i.e., external and internal silanol groups) by forming flexible M-O-Si bridges with M(=O) or M(=O)₂ species. The incorporation of metals in nanosized zeolites also modifies other important properties, such as (i) structural features, (ii) hydrophobicity (absence of silanols), and (iii) Lewis acidity.

Examples of the applications of nanosized zeolites with tunable size- and shape-dependent chemical and physical properties in catalysis and separation processes will be presented.

Acknowledgments: Funding from the ERC Advanced Grant under agreement No. 101054004 and the Label of Excellence for the Centre of Zeolites and Nanoporous Materials – CLEAR by the Region of Normandy is acknowledged.

Bio

Svetlana Mintova is the Director of Research 1st Class of the Laboratory of Catalysis and Spectrochemistry (LCS), ENSICAEN, Normandy University and the Head of the Center for Zeolites and Related Nanoporous Materials in Caen, France. She is also the President of the International Zeolite Association and President of the Federation of the European Zeolite Associations. She is the editor or member of the editorial board of many different publications and has won several awards for her research including: 1) A top 10 breakthrough of 2011 from the Editors of Science, 2) the Baron Axel Cronstedt award of the Federation of the European Zeolite Associations (FEZA), 3) The Donald W. Breck award of the International Zeolite Association (IZA), 4) an Honorary Award from the French Zeolite Association (GFZ), and 5) was most recently selected to carry the 2024 Paris Olympic flame. Her research focuses on synthesis of molecular sieves including zeolites and related porous materials for applications in catalysis, gas separation, environment and sustainable development.