Synthesis of nano-sized zeolites
AssigneeUniversity of Houston System
InventorsJeffrey D. Rimer, Deependra Parmar, Adam Mallette
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Abstract
Nano-sized zeolites may be prepared using germanium oxide (GeO2) as a component of the overall synthesis composition. This is accomplished by the addition of GeO2 as an inexpensive reagent for the synthesis gel. Most of the Ge is retained in the synthesis mixture and the small amount incorporated in the zeolite solid (Si/Ge>100) does not have an appreciable impact on zeolite acidity or other physicochemical properties. The methods disclosed herein circumvent challenges to prepare nano-sized zeolites having dimensions less than 100 nm.
Claims18
A method for synthesizing nano-sized zeolites, comprising:
- preparing a synthesis mixture comprising silica, aluminum and germanium, wherein a ratio of silica to germanium in the synthesis mixture is at least 10;
- heating the synthesis mixture to a temperature between 100° C. and 200° C.;
- allowing nano-sized zeolites to form in the synthesis mixture;
- isolating zeolites from the synthesis mixture;
- and
- washing the zeolites isolated from the synthesis mixture, wherein the zeolites isolated from the synthesis mixture comprise nano-sized zeolites, and wherein a ratio of silica to germanium in the nano-sized zeolites after washing is at least 100.
Nano-sized zeolite crystals, comprising:
- silica;
- aluminum;
- and
- germanium, wherein a ratio of silica to germanium in the nano-sized zeolite crystals is at least 100, and wherein the nano-sized zeolite crystals have dimensions less than 100 nm.
A synthesis mixture for the synthesis of nano-sized zeolite crystals, comprising:
- silica;
- aluminum;
- and
- germanium, wherein a ratio of silica to germanium in the synthesis mixture is at least 10.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.