Functional surfactant-directing ultrathin metallic nanoarchitectures as high-performance electrocatalysts

Ultrathin nanosheets possess a distinctive structure characterized by an abundance of active sites fully accessible on their surface. Concurrently, their nanoscale thickness confers an extraordinarily high specific surface area and promising electronic properties. To date, numerous strategies have been devised for synthesizing precious metal nanosheets that exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance. In this paper, recent progress in the controlled synthesis of two-dimensional, ultrathin nanosheets by a self-assembly mechanism using functional surfactants is reviewed. The aim is to highlight the key role of functional surfactants in the assembly and synthesis of two-dimensional ultrathin nanosheets, as well as to discuss in depth how to enhance their electrochemical properties, thereby expanding their potential applications in catalysis. We provide a detailed exploration of the mechanisms employed by several long-carbon chain surfactants commonly used in the synthesis of nanosheets. These surfactants exhibit robust electrostatic and hydrophobic effects, effectively confining the crystalline growth of metals along lamellar micelles. Moreover, we present an overview of the electrocatalytic performance demonstrated by the ultrathin nanosheets synthesized through this innovative pathway. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights that may pave the way for further exploration of more functional long-chain surfactants, leading to the synthesis of ultrathin nanosheets with significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance.

High-Silica Layer-like Zeolites Y from Seeding-Free Synthesis and Their Catalytic Performance in Low-Density Polyethylene Cracking

Layer-like FAU-type zeolite Y was synthesized by an organosilane-assisted low-temperature hydrothermal method and its catalytic activity was verified in the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) cracking process. The synthesis procedure of high-silica layer-like zeolite Y was based on organosilane as a growth modifier, and for the first time, the seeding step was successfully avoided. The X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of pure FAU structure and zeolite particles of plate-like morphology arranged in the manner of the skeleton of a cuboctahedron. The in situ Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic studies, low-temperature nitrogen sorption, and electron microscopy results provided detailed information on the obtained layer-like zeolite Y. The acidic and textural properties of layer-like zeolites Y were faced with the catalytic activity and selectivity in the cracking of LDPE. The quantitative assessment of catalyst selectivity performed in FT-IR/GC-MS operando studies pointed out that LDPE cracking over the layer-like material yielded value-added C₃-C₄ gases and C₅-C₆ liquid fraction at the expense of C₇₊ fraction. The detailed analysis of coke residue on the catalyst was also performed by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermoprogrammed oxidation coupled with mass spectrometry for the detection of oxidation products. The acidic and textural properties gave a foundation for the catalytic performance and coking of catalysts.

Synthesis of Hierarchical MOR-Type Zeolites with Improved Catalytic Properties

Hierarchical MOR-type zeolites were synthesized in the presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a porogen agent. XRD proved that the concentration of CTAB in the synthesis medium plays an essential role in forming pure hierarchical MOR-type material. Above a CTAB concentration of 0.04 mol·L-1, amorphous materials are observed. These hierarchical mordenite possess a higher porous volume compared to its counterpart conventional micrometer crystals. Nitrogen sorption showed the presence of mesoporosity for all mordenite samples synthesized in the presence of CTAB. The creation of mesopores due to the presence of CTAB in the synthesis medium does not occur at the expense of zeolite micropores. In addition, mesoporous volume and BET surface seem to increase upon the increase of CTAB concentration in the synthesis medium. The Si/Al ratio of the zeolite framework can be increased from 5.5 to 9.1 by halving the aluminum content present in the synthesis gel. These synthesized hierarchical MOR-type zeolites possess an improved catalytic activity for n-hexane cracking compared to large zeolite crystals obtained in the absence of CTAB.

The Effects of NaOH Concentration on the Hydrothermal Synthesis of a Hydroxyapatite–Zeolite Composite Using Blast Furnace Slag

This study investigated the effect of NaOH concentration on the assemblage, crystallinity, and dimension of crystalline phases in hydroxyapatite–zeolite composites made with blast furnace slag. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption tests were conducted to characterize the synthesized composites. In addition, the cesium adsorption potential of the synthesized composites was evaluated to assess the feasibility of using hydroxyapatite–zeolite composites synthesized from blast furnace slag. The composite samples using a 3 M NaOH solution showed the formations of Na-P1 and Faujasite (FAU) zeolites along with hydroxyapatite, which led to the highest adsorption capacity for cesium (44.90 mg/g).

Direct synthesis of core-shell MFI zeolites with spatially tapered trimodal mesopores via controlled orthogonal self-assembly

Manipulating pore hierarchy in porous materials is an attractive, yet difficult challenge in crystalline zeolites. Here, we report core-shell MFI zeolites having trimodal mesopores with size gradually decreasing from the surface to the core, synthesized through a one-pot approach via controlled orthogonal self-assembly. The novel spatially resolved mesopore structures are ascribed to the nanoscale phase separation between mutually coupled interactions of organosilane supramolecular assembly and zeolite framework ordering. The highly hierarchical zeolite architecture with tapered mesopore distribution allowed for spatially resolved adsorption of florescent molecules, improved catalytic performance in condensation reactions, and an enhanced nanoreactor for coupling reactions due to alleviated diffusion limitations. The successful synthesis of fine-tuned zeolites with larger mesopores gradually subdivided into smaller mesopores (hierarchy-type I) may open up possibilities for emergent new porous structures exhibiting a higher degree of hierarchies that are currently inaccessible to many crystalline oxide or related materials.

The Effects of Temperature on the Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite-Zeolite Using Blast Furnace Slag

Blast furnace slag, an industrial by-product, is emerging as a potential raw material to synthesize hydroxyapatite and zeolite. In this study, the effects of temperature on the hydrothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite-zeolite from blast furnace slag were investigated. Specimens were synthesized at different temperatures (room temperature, 50, 90, 120, or 150 °C). The synthesized specimens were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), BET/BJH, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive using X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX). It was found that the hydroxyapatite phase was synthesized at all the reaction temperatures, while faujasite type zeolite appeared in the specimens synthesized at 90 and 120 °C. Moreover, faujasite was replaced by hydroxysodalite in the specimens synthesized at 150 °C. Additionally, the crystals of the hydroxyapatite tended to become larger and total crystallinity increased as the reaction temperature increased.

Synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-48 nano-zeolites

A specific gemini-type surfactant that acts as dual functions template to generate *MRE-type zeolitic micropores and mesopores simultaneously.

In Situ Assembly of Nanoparticles into Hierarchical Beta Zeolite with Tailored Simple Organic Molecule

A hierarchically structured beta zeolite with intercrystalline mesopores was successfully synthesized via in situ assembly of nanoparticles by employing a simple organic molecule N₂-p-N₂, tailored from polyquaternium surfactant, with no hydrophobic long chain. The generated samples were studied by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Computer simulation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technologies were also used. The characterized results show that the tailored template molecule N₂-p-N₂ without hydrophobic long-chain tail still can direct the zeolite crystallization, while the hydrophobic long-chain tail is not necessary during the mesoporous Beta zeolite formation. The catalytic performances of the sample were studied using alkylation of benzene with propene reaction to evaluate the relationship between the structure and property. The results apparently suggested an overall improved resistance against deactivation as compared to conventional beta zeolite in reactions. Furthermore, this tailored simple organic molecule strategy from dual-functional surfactant for making mesoporous zeolite would offer a new method of synthesizing other hierarchically structured zeolites.

Organosilane with Gemini-Type Structure as the Mesoporogen for the Synthesis of the Hierarchical Porous ZSM-5 Zeolite

A new kind of organosilane (1,6-bis(diethyl(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)ammonium) hexane bromide) with a gemini-type structure was prepared and used as a mesoporogen for the synthesis of hierarchical porous ZSM-5 zeolite. There are two quaternary ammonium centers along with double-hydrolyzable -RSi(OMe)3 fragments in the organosilane, which results in a strong interaction between this mesoporogen and silica-alumina gel. The organosilane can be easily incorporated into the ZSM-5 zeolite structure during the crystallization process, and it was finally removed by calcination, leading to secondary pores in ZSM-5. The synthesized ZSM-5 has been systematically studied by XRD, nitrogen adsorption, SEM, TEM, TG, and solid-state one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR, which reveal information on its detailed structure. It has a hierarchical porosity system, which combines the intrinsic micropores coming from the crystalline structure and irregular mesopores created by the organosilane template. Moreover, the mesoposity including pore size and volume within ZSM-5 can be systematically tuned by changing the organosilane/TEOS ratio, which confirms that this organosilane has high flexibility of use as a template for the synthesis of hierarchical porous zeolite.

One-step synthesis of hierarchical aluminosilicates using alkoxy-functionalized ionic liquid as a novel template

A novel alkoxy-functionalized ionic liquid was employed as a mesoporous structure-directing agent to synthesize hierarchical aluminosilicate with dual micro–mesoporous channels.

Clinoptilolite nano-particles modified with aspartic acid for removal of Cu(ii) from aqueous solutions: isotherms and kinetic aspects

Clinoptilolite nano-particles modified with aspartic acid can remove Cu(ii) cations by ion exchange and complexation processes.