Theoretical Prediction from Classical Equations and Rational Synthesis of Ultrafine LTL Zeolite Nanocrystals

Much more attention has been paid to zeolite nanocrystals due to their use as catalysts and zeolite membranes as well as composites and hierarchical structures. Recently, zeolite nanocrystals of several structures have been successfully obtained, but rational synthesis of these zeolite nanocrystals is still challenging. Here, we report a theoretical prediction to synthesize zeolite nanocrystals from classical equations. According to the new equation, we finally obtained ultrafine zeolite L nanocrystals in accordance with the theoretical prediction. The smallest zeolite L we synthesized exhibits the crystals with a [100] length of 18 ± 5 nm and a [001] width of 8 ± 2 nm. After loading Pt species (0.5 wt %), this zeolite L supported Pt catalyst is very active and selective for the formation of isomers and cracking products in the region of 260–280 and 320–340 °C in n-dodecane hydroisomerization, showing adjustable catalytic properties by temperature control over one catalyst in the same bed reactor. The new equation in this work might offer a good opportunity for rational synthesis of expanded zeolite nanocrystals in the near future.