2D–3D structures: The hydrothermal transformation of a layered sodium silicate, Na-RUB-18, into mordenite zeolite

•Na-RUB-18 was used as precursor for mordenite.•Na-RUB-18 lamella were activated by bonding to aluminum ions.•The reaction occurs in 7–14 days depending on the Al source.•No structure directing agent was added in the reaction mixture.

The synthesis of the high-silica mordenite zeolite by hydrothermal transformation of the Na-RUB-18 layered silicate was conducted by the addition of Al[OCH(CH3)2]3 or Na2Al2O4 into the gel after 7 days of hydrothermal treatment of a non-aluminum gel. Extensive characterization showed that the samples were obtained in good crystallinity in periods varying from 7 to 14 days after the addition of the aluminum source when Al[OCH(CH3)2]3 was used and after 14 days for Na2Al2O4. Results of 29Si and 27Al NMR suggest a gradual transformation of Na-RUB-18 into MOR by the appearance of signals which correspond to silicon atoms coordinated to 1and 2 Al and one signal corresponding to tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum atoms, both nonexistent in Na-RUB-18.

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