Surfactant‐Templated Zeolites: From Thermodynamics to Direct Observation. Issue 4 (12th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mendoza‐Castro, Monica J.; Serrano, Elena; Linares, Noemi; García‐Martínez, Javier
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 8:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-11-12
• Subjects: catalysis enhancement -- diffusional properties -- hierarchical materials -- mesoporous zeolites -- surfactant‐templating; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.202001388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: Surfactant‐templating is a versatile method to introduce tailored intracrystalline mesoporosity in zeolites. This method has been proven to be extremely effective to finely control both the amount of mesoporosity and the size of their mesopores, while maintaining the main features of the original zeolite, such as crystallinity, acidity, and hydrothermal stability. By building on the knowledge generated during the last 30 years in the field of amorphous mesoporous materials, the surfactant‐templating method has been successfully applied to develop intracrystalline mesoporosity into a variety of zeolite structures including FAU, BEA, MOR, LTL, and MFI. The improvement in both the textural and diffusional properties of the zeolite results in excellent catalytic performances in different industrially relevant processes, ranging from fluid catalytic cracking to the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. As a result of the excellent catalytic performances shown by the surfactant‐templated mesoporous Y zeolite, this is currently being used in several refineries, being the first industrial and large‐scale application of hierarchical zeolites. In this progress report, the literature regarding the surfactant‐templating method in zeolites is critically reviewed. Abstract : This review provides a critical overview of the progress, current challenges, and future opportunities of surfactant‐templated zeolites, highlighting (i) the importance of fine‐tuning the synthetic parameters for the development of intracrystalline mesoporosity in zeolites, (ii) the advanced in situ techniques currently available for the characterization of their hierarchical architecture, and (iii) both their current and potential applications in catalysis and beyond.