Synthesis and crystal growth mechanism of ZSM-22 zeolite nanosheets†
Abstract
ZSM-22 zeolite nanosheets with a thickness of about 10 nm were synthesized through hydrothermal crystallization without any special additives. The formation of the nanosheet crystals follows a multi-step crystallization mechanism through aggregation and fusion of the elementary nanorods. The inhomogeneous distribution of aluminum might be the key factor that induces the formation of the nanosheet crystals.