A simple strategy for synthesis of b-axis-oriented MFI zeolite macro-nanosheets

Zeolite nanosheets with shortened diffusion paths and high external surface areas have drawn significant attention. This unique morphology of zeolites can endow them with reduced diffusion resistance and high accessibility of active sites, and thereby good catalytic performance. Exploring simple synthesis strategies for zeolite nanosheets is mostly desired in zeolite chemistry. Herein, MFI zeolite nanosheets with a thickness of 50-100 nm along the b -axis and a length of 1 μm along the c -axis, namely zeolite macro-nanosheets, have been successfully synthesized via the strategy of combining pre-aging and pH regulation without the use of complex templates/additives and fluorine media. Pre-aging at a relatively high temperature of 90 °C and low alkalinity for crystallization (pH = 7.0~8.5) are found to play key roles in controlling macro-nanosheet synthesis, which can promote the formation of MFI zeolite precursors and then dissociate them into smaller ones for the following oriented aggregation during hydrothermal treatment. Crystallization kinetic studies suggest that the two-dimensional crystal growth is the intrinsic behavior of zeolite crystallization under employed conditions. This synthesis strategy can be easily extended to the synthesis of heteroatom-containing MFI macro-nanosheets, such as ZSM-5 and TS-1.