Nanocrystalline zeolite Y: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Nanocrystalline zeolite has received significant attention in the catalysis community. Zeolites with a crystal size smaller than 100 nm are the potential replacement for existing zeolite catalysts due to its unique features with added advantages. Zeolite FAU type Y is one of the most studied framework of all zeolites, and has been used as catalysts for number of reactions in the refinery and petrochemical industry. The present paper covers the synthesis of nanocrystalline zeolite Y under hydrothermal conditions from clear synthesis mixtures. The crystal size of zeolite Y is influenced by temperature, aging time, alkalinity, and water content. The synthesized Y is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transmission Infrared Sprectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Nitrogen Adsorption.