Postsynthetic High-Alumina Zeolite Crystal Engineering in Organic-Free Hyper-Alkaline Media

Postsynthetic modification of high-alumina zeolites in hyper-alkaline media can be tailored toward alteration of framework topology, crystal size and morphology, or desired Si/Al ratio. FAU, EMT, MAZ, KFI, HEU, and LTA starting materials were treated with 1.2 M MOH (M = Na, K, Rb, or Cs), leading to systematic ordered porosity or fully transformed frameworks with new topology and adjustable Si/Al ratio. In addition to the versatility of this tool for zeolite crystal engineering, these alterations improve understanding of the crystal chemistry. Such knowledge can guide further development in zeolite crystal engineering. Postsynthetic alteration also provides insight on the long-term stability of aluminosilicate zeolites that are used as a sorption sink in concrete-based waste disposal facilities in harsh alkaline conditions.