Fast synthesis of SSZ-13 zeolite by steam-assisted crystallization method

The crystallization time of SSZ-13 was shortened from several days to 6 h without seeding or pre-aging at conventional synthetic temperature. The fast synthesis was realized by converting a clear-sol derived dry gel with the assistance of steam at 160 °C with a high yield (86%). The crystals of fast synthesized SSZ-13 appeared much smaller in size (333 ± 52 nm) compared to its bulk conventional counterpart. The effects of synthetic parameters such as silica sources, water to dry-gel ratio, aluminum content and inorganic cations were investigated. It was concluded that appropriate chosen of silica source and water to dry-gel ratio was the key to accelerate the formation of SSZ-13. The fast-synthesized SSZ-13 was tested with the reaction of methanol to olefins and showed a more than twofold increase in catalyst lifetime and higher selectivity to olefins than that of the conventional SSZ-13. [Display omitted] •SSZ-13 was made within 6 h without seeding or pre-aging at 160 °C with a high yield.•A clear-sol derived dry-gel was used in the steam-assisted crystallization.•Silica source and water to dry-gel ratio are the key for the fast synthesis.•The product exhibited prolonged catalyst lifetime for methanol to olefins.