Synthesis of ZSM-5 Zeolite Nanosheets Using Fluorine-Free Additives

The green synthesis of b-axis-oriented ZSM-5 nanosheets (NSs) is essential for facilitating their industrial production. Here, a set of cost-effective and eco-friendly additives is introduced for the tailored synthesis of thin ZSM-5 NSs with a b-axis thickness of 40 nm with the assistance of small seeds. Through a comprehensive exploration of synthesis methods and electron microscopy analysis, this work elucidates the pivotal roles of seeds and additives in controlling the crystal size and steering anisotropic growth kinetics during the crystallization process. The shortened straight channels of the thin ZSM-5 NSs along the b-axis significantly enhance the rapid transport of molecules within the micropores, thus manifesting a distinct catalytic advantage in the alkylation of benzene with methanol and methanol-to-propylene (MTP) conversion. Notably, the utilization of fluorine-free additives in the synthesis of thin ZSM-5 NSs marks an important step forward in zeolite materials, bridging the gap between laboratory experimentation and industrial scale-up.