Synthesis and characterization of the oxalate cancrinite-type zeolite

A new cancrinite-type zeolite is presented, showing the first example of the insertion of oxalate anions into this structure type. The material, synthesized hydrothermally, displays a typical cancrinite framework. The inclusion of oxalate anions was characterized by FT-IR and thermogravimetric studies. The use of high resolution powder neutron diffraction has also allowed accurate determination of the location and alignment of the anions within the framework.

Oxalate cancrinite showing the alignment of sodium atoms (Black) and oxalate molecules (oxygen/white, carbon/light gray) within the larger pores of the cancrinite structure (some symmetry sites have been removed for clarity).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► A new cancrinite-type zeolite is presented, showing the first example of the insertion of oxalate anions into this structure type.
► The use of high resolution powder neutron diffraction allowed accurate determination of the location and alignment of the anions and cations within the framework.
► Figure shows the oxalate cancrinite: sodium atoms (black) and oxalate molecules (oxygen/white, carbon/light gray) within the larger pores of the structure (some symmetry sites have been removed for clarity).