The effect of the zeolite pore size on the Lewis acid strength of extra-framework cations

A Short Review on the Utilization of Incense Sticks Ash as an Emerging and Overlooked Material for the Synthesis of Zeolites

The traditional hydrothermal synthesis methods are mainly performed under batch operation, which generally takes few days to weeks to yield a zeolite with the desired properties and structure. The zeolites are the backbone of the petrochemical and wastewater industries due to their importance. The commercial methods for zeolite synthesis are expensive, laborious and energy intensive. Among waste products, incense sticks ash is a compound of aluminosilicates and could act as a potential candidate for the synthesis of zeolites for daily needs in these industries. Incense sticks ash is the byproduct of religious places and houses and is rich in Ca, Mg, Al and Si. As a result, incense sticks ash can be proven to be a potential candidate for the formation of calcium-rich zeolites. The formation of zeolites from incense sticks ash is an economical, reliable and eco-friendly method. The application of incense sticks ash for zeolite synthesis can also minimize the problem related to its disposal in the water bodies, which will also minimize the solid waste in countries where it is considered sacred and generated in tons every day.

2D Oxide Nanomaterials to Address the Energy Transition and Catalysis

2D oxide nanomaterials constitute a broad range of materials, with a wide array of current and potential applications, particularly in the fields of energy storage and catalysis for sustainable energy production. Despite the many similarities in structure, composition, and synthetic methods and uses, the current literature on layered oxides is diverse and disconnected. A number of reviews can be found in the literature, but they are mostly focused on one of the particular subclasses of 2D oxides. This review attempts to bridge the knowledge gap between individual layered oxide types by summarizing recent developments in all important 2D oxide systems including supported ultrathin oxide films, layered clays and double hydroxides, layered perovskites, and novel 2D-zeolite-based materials. Particular attention is paid to the underlying similarities and differences between the various materials, and the subsequent challenges faced by each research community. The potential of layered oxides toward future applications is critically evaluated, especially in the areas of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, biomass conversion, and fine chemical synthesis. Attention is also paid to corresponding novel 3D materials that can be obtained via sophisticated engineering of 2D oxides.

Engineering of Transition Metal Catalysts Confined in Zeolites

Transition metal-zeolite composites are versatile catalytic materials for a wide range of industrial and lab-scale processes. Significant advances in fabrication and characterization of well-defined metal centers confined in zeolite matrixes have greatly expanded the library of available materials and, accordingly, their catalytic utility. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the field from the perspective of materials chemistry, focusing on synthesis, postsynthesis modification, (operando) spectroscopy characterization, and computational modeling of transition metal-zeolite catalysts.