The
development of nano-sized titanosilicate zeolites with hierarchical
structures is crucial in promoting the efficient epoxidation of alkenes.
In the present work, nano-sized hierarchical Ti-β (*BEA) zeolites with high crystal yield are prepared by a one-pot nanoseed-assisted
approach. The influence of seed size on the resultant Ti-β zeolites
is investigated by complementary characterizations, including X-ray
diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FT-IR), N2 adsorption/desorption, UV–vis diffuse
reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and UV Raman spectroscopy. The possible
process for the formation of hierarchical Ti-β nanocrystals
with the assistance of nanoseeds in the synthesis gel is proposed.
Consequentially, the nano-sized hierarchical material prepared by
the nanoseed-assisted method shows excellent mass transportation and
accessibility to active sites by reducing particle size and constructing
hierarchical porosity, hence showing a remarkably enhanced catalytic
activity and selectivity in the epoxidation reaction of alkenes. This
work will shed light on the efficient preparation of nano-sized titanosilicate
zeolites.