Accelerated, Mesoporogen-Free Synthesis of Hierarchical Nanorod ZSM-48 Assisted by Hydroxyl Radicals

Hierarchical ZSM-48 was synthesized at an accelerated rate, ca. 2 times faster than the conventional route. This is due to the hydroxyl radical (•OH), induced by persulfate ions, that accelerate the nucleation and modulate the crystal growth. As a result, the ZSM-48 zeolites are composed of nanorod crystals that form larger aggregates. This morphology renders the abundant presence of intercrystalline mesopores. Experimental and computational studies indicate the •OH might induce crystal growth preferentially on the b-axis (one-dimensional growth); thus, leading to the formation of nanorod crystals. Hierarchical ZSM-48 exhibits significantly enhanced catalytic performance in low-density polyethylene cracking and fructose dehydration.