Exposure of faujasite zeolites to different alkali hydroxide solutions readily yields zeolites with ABW, CHA, MER and ANA topologies. In NaOH faujasite persisted. Aside from new opportunities for zeolite synthesis, this reveals that a suitable aluminosilicate connectivity in the source material significantly facilitates zeolite crystallization.

Selective separation of CO2 is becoming one of the key technologies in the (petro-) chemical industry. This study focuses on the adsorption and separation of CO2 from CH4 on a new low-silica (LS) type of the eight-membered ring KFI zeolite. A series of alkali (Li, Na, K) and alkaline-earth (Mg, Ca, Sr) exchanged samples of the new LS KFI were synthesized and characterized. LS Li-KFI showed the largest pore volume, whereas LS Na-KFI and LS K-KFI were inaccessible for Argon at 87 K. Adsorption of CO2 at 303 K demonstrated the dominant quadrupolar interaction on alkali-exchanged LS KFI samples. LS Li-KFI showed the largest capacities upon high pressure isotherm measurements of CO2 (4.8 mmol/g), CH4 (2.6 mmol/g), and N2 (2.2 mmol/g) up to 40 bar at 303 K. The performance of the new LS KFI was compared to a KFI sample (ZK-5) with a higher Si/Al ratio. Isotherm measurements and dynamic breakthrough experiments demonstrated that ZK-5 samples show larger working capacities for CO2/CH4 separations at low pressure. Li-ZK-5 and Na-ZK-5 show the highest capacities and high selectivities (similar to benchmark 13X).

Hydrated alkali silicate ionic liquids (HSIL) were prepared by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in alkali hydroxide-water mixtures, inducing coacervation and phase separation. The resulting optically clear, homogenous silicate ionic liquid offers exceptional potential for monitoring zeolite crystallisation. This enhanced synthesis route provides access to analysis of speciation, mechanistic details of zeolite formation, and brings organic-template-free zeolite synthesis by design within reach.

Kinetic separation of CO2from CH4over rubidium or cesium-exchanged ZK-5 (KFI) zeolites for upgrade of biogas to renewable fuels.

Postsynthetic modification of high-alumina zeolites in hyperalkaline media can be tailored toward alteration of framework topology, crystal size and morphology, or desired Si/Al ratio. FAU, EMT, MAZ, KFI, HEU, and LTA starting materials were treated with 1.2 M MOH (M = Na, K, Rb, or Cs), leading to systematic ordered porosity or fully transformed frameworks with new topology and adjustable Si/Al ratio. In addition to the versatility of this tool for zeolite crystal engineering, these alterations improve understanding of the crystal chemistry. Such knowledge can guide further development in zeolite crystal engineering. Postsynthetic alteration also provides insight on the long-term stability of aluminosilicate zeolites that are used as a sorption sink in concrete-based waste disposal facilities in harsh alkaline conditions.