Micelle Formation inside Zeolites: A Critical Step in Zeolite Surfactant-Templating Observed by Raman Microspectroscopy

Abstract

Micelle formation inside faujasite (FAU) zeolite, a critical step in the introduction of mesoporosity in zeolites by surfactant templating, has been confirmed by both 13C NMR and Raman spectroscopy. Here we provide unambiguous evidence of the incorporation of surfactant molecules inside zeolites during the first step of the surfactant-templating process followed by their self-assembly into micelles after hydrothermal treatment. The homogeneous presence of these micelles throughout zeolite crystals has been directly observed by Raman microspectroscopy, confirming the uniform incorporation of mesoporosity in zeolites by surfactant templating.