Two-dimensional
(2D) layered zeolites are new forms of 3D zeolite
frameworks. They can be pillared to form more open porous structures
with increased access for reactants that are too big for the micropores
of zeolites. The current pillaring procedure, however, requires intercalation
of pillaring precursors by dispersing 2D zeolite in an alkoxide liquid
and hydrolizing entrapped alkoxide to form inorganic oxide pillars
in an aqueous alkaline solution. Both steps use excess solvents, generate
significant waste, and require multiple synthesis and separation steps.
Here we report a vapor-phase pillarization (VPP) process to produce
pillared zeolites from 2D layered zeolite structures. The VPP process
has ∼100% efficiency of alkoxide usage in the intercalation
step, requires less (and, in some cases, zero) water addition in the
hydrolysis step, does not require separation for product recovery,
and generates no liquid waste. Furthermore, synthesis of pillared
zeolites via the VPP process can be accomplished within a single apparatus
with one-time operation. The pillared zeolite prepared by the VPP
method preserved the zeolitic layered structure as well as acidity
and showed enhancement in catalytic alkylation of mesitylene with
benzyl alcohol compared to 2D layered zeolite without pillarization
treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.