Novel zeolite transformations: The template-mediated conversion of Cubic P zeolite to SSZ-13

A study of the synthesis of zeolite SSZ-13 (a high-silica chabazite) from sodium silicate solutions showed the transient formation of Cubic P zeolite. The N,N,N,-trimethyl ammonium-I-adamantane organocation converted Cubic P to the secondary zeolite product with an increase in SiO2/Al2O3 during the process. pH increase during the secondary zeolite formation was shown to be correlated with SiO2/Al2O3 increase in the product. The use of an ion-selective electrode for organocations and its application in kinetic analysis of zeolite crystallization are described. The advantages of a study of this zeolite system in the absence of a hydrogel phase are discussed in terms of mechanisms of zeolite crystallization.