Microwave synthesis of zeolites and their related applications

Zeolites are an emerging class of crystalline, nanoporous, inorganic material with regular micropores and highly tunable functionalities. Zeolites have been proposed as ideal materials for applications in catalysis, adsorption, and biomedicine due to their notable intrinsic features such as accessible void space, large surface area, and strong acidity. Microwave radiation is a robust technology that can quickly and efficiently prepare uniform and controllable zeolites that enable remarkable functions. We first review the current research progress in, and the fabrication of, zeolites using microwave technologies, and the related application. After a brief introduction to microwave theory and modification of zeolites, the discussion focuses on the five main microwave technologies for the synthesis of zeolites, that include microwave irradiation, microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis, microwave assisted aging synthesis, microwave assisted ionothermal synthesis, and other microwave related methods. Some critical applications such as catalysis (NOx reduction, CO2 reduction, and Fenton), gas sensing and CO2 capture, and biomedicine are selected and discussed in detail. Finally, a summary and perspectives on research that may lead to the future development of this blossoming field.