Synthesis of zeolite crystals and formation of carbon nanostructures in patterned structures

A method for providing zeolite crystals within patterned structures wherein the patterned structures are filled with zeolite crystals and wherein the zeolite crystals and thus pores within the zeolite crystals have an orientation in a direction defined by confinement of the patterned structures, the method comprising:

• impregnating a zeolite synthesis solution or a zeolite synthesis gel onto a substrate comprising patterned structures in its top surface;
• applying mechanical force to incorporate the synthesis solution or the zeolite synthesis gel into the patterned structures;
• applying hydrothermal conditions to crystallize the zeolite synthesis solution or the zeolite synthesis gel, whereby zeolite crystals having a porous structure are formed;
• rinsing and drying the substrate;
• and
• applying additional mechanical force to remove non-incorporated or non-attached zeolite crystals from the substrate.

A method for growing carbon nanostructures within pores of a zeolite crystal, the method comprising:

• providing a zeolite synthesis solution or a zeolite synthesis gel on a substrate;
• applying hydrothermal conditions whereby the zeolite synthesis solution or the zeolite synthesis gel is crystallized to form at least one zeolite crystal;
• adding an organo-metal complex to the zeolite crystal via impregnation or in-situ synthesis;
• and
• heating the zeolite crystal in an inert gas at a temperature of from about 350° C. to about 1000° C., whereby carbon nanostructures are grown within pores of the zeolite crystal.