Method for producing zeolites and zeotypes

A method for producing zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype particles comprising:

• 1) Adding one or more metal precursors to a silica or alumina source;
• 2) Reducing the one or more metal precursors to form metal nanoparticles on the surface of the silica or alumina source;
• 3) Passing a gaseous hydrocarbon, alkyl alcohol or alkyl ether over the silica or alumina supported metal nanoparticle to form a carbon template coated zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype precursor composition;
• 4a) Adding a structure directing agent to the carbon template coated zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype precursor thereby creating a zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype gel composition;
• 4b) Crystallising the zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype gel composition by subjecting said composition to a hydrothermal treatment;
• and
• 5) Removing the carbon template and structure directing agent and isolating the resulting zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype particles;
• wherein the carbon template coated zeolite, zeolite-like or zeotype precursor composition of step 3 is used directly in step 4a without removing the silica or alumina source.