Complex Pore Structure of Mesoporous Zeolites: Unambiguous TEM Imaging Using Platinum Tracking. Issue 4 (22nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Volkov, Roman L.; Kukin, Vladimir N.; Kots, Pavel A.; Ivanova, Irina I.; Borgardt, Nikolay I.
• Is Part Of: Chemphyschem. Volume 21:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2020-01-22
• Subjects: electron microscopy -- mesoporous material -- microporous material -- platinum nanoparticles -- zeolite; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; 541.05
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201901208
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4235

Abstract

Abstract: The article proposes a new way for visualization of mesopores and quantitative evaluation of the pore structure in zeolite crystals. The approach is based on platinum tracking inside the zeolite material after its incorporation from a gaseous precursor using an electron beam prior to preparing a TEM specimen by the focused ion beam technique. The pores in mesoporous silica and purely microporous zeolite Y were visualized in TEM images in a demonstration of the capabilities of the approach. Finally, platinum tracking was used for studying the pore structure of zeolite Y (CBV 720) containing mesopores both inside the crystal and those emerging at its surface, which were unambiguously distinguished from each other. The obtained sizes of the mesopores and the calculated material porosity are in good agreement with the results obtained by the low‐temperature argon sorption isotherms method. Abstract : Right on track : The platinum tracking approach allows for clear distinction between open and occluded mesopores in TEM images of zeolite crystals. For incorporating platinum from a gaseous precursor into the zeolite sample, the scanning electron beam is used prior to preparing the TEM specimen by the SEM‐FIB instrument.