Mechanism of the Transformation of Silica Precursor Solutions into Si-MFI Zeolite

In situ dynamic light scattering (DLS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) can be used, in conjunction with other techniques, to improve our understanding of the mechanism of zeolite formation. The effects of aging and hydrothermal pre-treatment of precursors cause variations in the size distribution (see diagram; r=particle size, I=intensity) and relative crystallinity of the as-prepared zeolitic materials.