NanoResCon2023: Constructing the ideal zeolite

 The zeolite is undoubtedly the offspring of science and nature. With its porous structure, which holds water inside, this unique rock also holds atoms and molecules that can trigger chemical reactions. Zeolites are crucial as catalysts—that is, as compounds that quicken chemical reactions without causing damage—because of this. Zeolites are used in a variety of industries, including the pharmaceutical and energy sectors. Petrochemicals are used to break big hydrocarbon molecules down into various petroleum byproducts, including gasoline. Zeolites are crucial to processes like fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking.

Zeolites are used so frequently that decades ago researchers started creating them (synthetic ones) in the lab. To far, more than 250 different crystal forms have been identified. 

The Abraham E. Dukler Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston, Jeffrey Rimer, is now regarded as a pillar in the field of zeolite research. He recently published a review in the journal Nature Synthesis summarising techniques used over the past ten years to create cutting-edge zeolites with nanoscale dimensions and hierarchical structures. 

The results highlight the importance of structure and the idea that smaller is better.

"Their performance in a variety of industrial applications depends on these qualities. Particularly, the small pores of zeolites create diffusion restrictions for catalytic or separation processes where small molecules must reach pores without obstruction from the buildup of leftover components like coke, which is a carbonaceous deposit that plugs pores "Rimer reports. In order to prepare zeolites with smaller sizes and greater surface areas, which is a difficult challenge given that few zeolites can be prepared with sizes fewer than 100 nanometers, new procedures must be developed.

The review article describes cutting-edge techniques to achieve this objective, including research from Rimer's own lab on finned zeolites, which he created. Fin-equipped zeolites are a brand-new family of porous catalysts that use special nano-sized features to speed up chemistry by enabling molecules to avoid obstacles that slow down the reaction.

In addition, Rimer looks at how machine learning and data analytics are assisting zeolite design and offers future perspectives in this expanding field of study. That contributes to the "new methods" Rimer claims are necessary, which has the important benefit of incorporating computer and big data analysis to move zeolite synthesis away from trial-and-error methodologies. 

Additionally, according to Rimer, accelerating the crystallisation of zeolites as well as the reactivity of the zeolites themselves will have a positive socioeconomic impact.

According to him, "improved zeolite design includes the development of improved catalysts for energy applications (including advancements in alternative energy), new technologies for controlling emissions that have an adverse effect on the environment, and separations to improve industrial processes with an impact on petroleum refining, chemical production, and water purification.

Story Origin: 

University of Houston donated the materials. Laurie Fickman wrote the original draught. There may be length and style edits to the content.