The chemistry of phase selectivity in the synthesis of high-silica zeolites

In this review we discuss the roles that inorganic and organic components play in the synthesis of high-silica zeolites. We discuss the effects that heteroatom identity, heteroatom substitution, and SDA shape have on synthesis products. Then we summarize recent developments in zeolite synthesis that have been made by performing syntheses in concentrated fluoride media and by using germanium as a tetravalent heteroatom. Finally, we examine the combined roles that framework stability, framework/SDA interactions, and silanol defects may have in determining phase selectivity.