Nanometer-size zeolitic particles and method for the production thereof

A process for producing a particulate material which comprises zeolitic particles having a crystalline structure, wherein the particles contain 60 wt % or more of a zeolite material having a microporous zeolitic framework structure formed from Si, O and optionally Al, and/or a zeolite-like material having a microporous zeolitic framework structure which is formed not only from Si, O and optionally Al, wherein the zeolitic particles are in the form of particles with nanometer dimensions, and wherein at least 90% of all zeolitic particles, based on a number of particles, have a particle size of 20 to 500 nm, characterized in that the process comprises the following steps:

• a) providing a starting material comprising amorphous porous starting particles, which are composed of at least one oxide that can form a zeolite material having a zeolitic framework structure or a zeolite-like material having a zeolitic framework structure;
• b) introducing a solution or dispersion of an organic compound in a solvent, wherein the organic compound functions as a template for the synthesis of a zeolitic framework structure, into the pores of the amorphous porous starting particles, and subsequently fully or partially removing the solvent of the solution or dispersion, so that the organic compound remains in the pores throughout the amorphous porous starting particles and is also present in pores at the center of the porous starting particles;
• c) converting the material obtained in step b), which contains the amorphous porous starting particles with the organic compound in the pores, by heating the starting material in contact with steam so that the zeolitic particles are formed.