One-pot structural conversion of magadiite into MFI zeolite nanosheets using mononitrogen surfactants as structure and shape-directing agents

MFI-type materials with a lamellar morphology were successfully synthesized by using mononitrogen surfactants specifically designed by molecular modelling. The mononitrogen surfactants directed the recrystallization of a crystalline layered polysilicate formed in situ, the magadiite, into a zeolite ZSM-5. Moreover, the surfactants allow the preservation of the lamellar shape of the magadiite and inhibit a further growth into one dimension, leading to the formation of zeolite ZSM-5 nanosheets with a thickness comprised between 2 and 3 nm and a Si/Al ratio of 24. This simple approach paves a new way for obtaining zeolite materials of controlled size and shape for specific catalytic applications.