VS-1 zeolite synthesized directly from silatrane

VS-1 zeolite was successfully synthesized using silatrane as the precursor via sol-gel processing and microwave heating methods. Various factors, which influence the product properties, were investigated, viz. water content, reaction temperature, sodium hydroxide concentration, and amount of vanadium loading. XRD, SEM, UV-visible and ESR were applied to characterize synthesized VS-1. Lower water content and higher temperature promote incorporation of vanadium in the zeolite structure, and lower sodium hydroxide concentration gives more highly condensed vanadium species. Higher sodium hydroxide concentration can lead to extrinsic formation of vanadium and does not promote vanadium into the framework structure but rather weakens the crystal structure. Samples prepared with high sodium hydroxide concentration are susceptible to destruction during calcinations. Using the novel silatrane precursor, VS-1 zeolites with high vanadium loading can be prepared via hydrothermal synthesis.