Engineering Fractal MTW Zeolite Mesocrystal: Particle-Based Dendritic Growth via Twinning-Plane Induced Crystallization

Constructing superstructured crystalline materials by crystal engineering is an attractive objective for miscellaneous fields of researchers spanning biomimetics to catalytic materials. Zeolite is a kind of important crystalline catalyst, and superstructured zeolite has great potential for widespread applications. However, the ambiguous crystallization mechanisms hamper the effective and scientific fabrication of superstructured zeolite with exceptional properties. Herein, a fractal superstructured MTW zeolite with mesocrystal side branches is prepared via a nanoparticle-based nonclassical pathway with twinning-plane induced crystallization, which is distinct from the formation of general mesocrystal via crystal–crystal oriented attachment. Deformed atomic connection at a specific crystallographic plane contributes to the production of side branches. Moreover, this intriguing morphology could be regulated merely via adjusting the crystallization kinetics based on the unequivocal nonclassical crystallization mechanism. It will open a new avenue for design and synthesis of targeted crystals with superstructure and extraordinary properties.