Seed-directed and organotemplate-free synthesis of TON zeolite

•TON zeolite has been synthesized via the seed-directed and organotemplate-free route.•The seed-directed and organotemplate-free synthesis has very high silica utilization.•The zeolite product has high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio.•The zeolite product exhibits stable aluminum species in the framework.•This route avoids the use of organotemplates and saves the cost and energy.

The seed-directed synthesis of aluminosilicates TON zeolite (denoted as ZJM-4) in the absence of any organic templates under rotation conditions has been developed. Many factors such as the ratios of SiO2/H2O, SiO2/K2O together with SiO2/Al2O3 in the starting aluminosilicate gel, crystallization temperature as well as crystallization time significantly influence the crystallization of ZJM-4 zeolite. The pure phase of TON zeolite could only be obtained in a narrow phase diagram of K2O–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O by a comprehensive consideration of these factors.

Graphical abstractZJM-4 with TON zeolite structure has been successfully synthesized via the seed-directed and organotemplate-free route. ZJM-4 sample exhibits stable aluminum species in the framework and strong acidic sites. Very importantly, the silica utilization in the synthesis of ZJM-4 is as high as 88%. These features would be important for applications of ZJM-4 as acidic catalysts or supports in the future.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (302 K)Download as PowerPoint slide