Microwave synthesis and occlusion reactions of zeolites

The work presented in this volume covers two distinct fields of zeolite chemistry. The first section of this thesis is dedicated to the synthesis of zeolites A (LTA), X (FAU), Y, (FAU) and rho (RHO) in a microwave oven. Results have demonstrated that when zeolitic gels are heated in a microwave oven they yield zeolite crystals far quicker than when heated in a conventional oven. This is in part a consequence of the rapid heating of the zeolitic gel caused by the microwave radiation, however, this alone is not responsible for such dramatic reductions in synthesis times. An examination of the effect of reagents on the crystallisation of zeolites in a microwave oven is undertaken. The other portion of this thesis focuses on the ion exchange and occlusion reactions undergone by zeolites A (LTA), ZK-4 (LTA) and rho (RHO) in the presence of monovalent metal nitrates. In some cases non-framework peaks are seen in the powder X-ray diffraction patterns of occluded samples. These peaks are attributed to the formation of a superlattice within the zeolite cavities. Particular attention is given to the structural identification of the silver nitrate superlattice formed within zeolite A.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo