Interzeolite-type transformation between microporous titanosilicates

Abstract

This work reveals the first example of an interzeolite-type transformation between microporous heteropolyhedral silicates. In KOH solution, preformed spherulitic particles of the microporous titanosilicate ETS-4 (Engelhard Titanium Silicate-4) transform into single crystals of GTS-1 (Grace Titanium Silicate-1). Mechanistically, the transformation follows a distinct reversed crystallization pathway, beginning on the surface of a seed particle and ending in the reconstructive self-assembly of multiple single crystals. In addition to advancing synthesis methodologies for microporous titanosilicates, this work provides mechanistic insights into a crystallization route that enables templating of the crystal morphology through particle self-assembly.