Transformation synthesis of SSZ-13 zeolite from ZSM-35 zeolite

Interzeolite conversion as a promising alternative strategy for zeolite synthesis has received extensive attention. It is of great significance to understand the potential rules of conversion between zeolites with different topologies for effective regulation of zeolite synthesis. Hydrothermal conversion of ZSM-35 (FER-type) zeolite containing the mor composite building units into SSZ-13 zeolite (CHA-type) using N,N,N-trimethyl-1-adamantammonium hydroxide (TMAdaOH) as template was performed for the first time. The effects of TMAdaOH/SiO2 ratio, Na2O/SiO2 ratio, the additional starting zeolite and crystallization time on the interzeolite conversion of ZSM-35 into SSZ-13 were investigated. The interzeolite conversion mechanism concerning the synthesis of SSZ-13 from ZSM-35 zeolite was proposed and verified by DFT calculation. The results of DFT calculations suggested that ZSM-35 zeolite with mor composite building unit had the potential to decompose into 6-Membered Rings, and further transform into CHA-type zeolite containing d6r composite building unit. Therefore, zeolites containing mor structure have the potential to be converted into zeolites containing d6r structure.