Visualising compositional heterogeneity during the scale up of multicomponent zeolite bodies

An unprecedented approach is introduced to compositionally map binder-containing Li-X zeolite sorbents at various stages of the industrial manufacture. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry complements energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, permitting the detection of light elements. Significant inhomogeneity is demonstrated, which is classified at the macro-(shaped body) and nano- (crystal) scale.