K+ promoted fabrication of nanoneedle low-silicon ZSM-48 mesocrystal

Owing to their distinct structural properties, low-dimensional zeolites are rising stars in the field of catalysis. However, shortening their size while maintaining the acidity continues to be challenging. In addition, simplified synthesis methods to efficiently prepare low-dimensional zeolites with more skeleton types and extended frame components are also of great interest. Herein, a facile strategy is developed for fabricating ultrathin nanoneedle (ca. 6-8 nm in diameter of each needle) ZSM-48 mesocrystals with a low Si/Al ratio (ca. 27, close to the lowest synthesized so far). This is achieved by adding potassium ions in a ZSM-12 synthetic system. The promoting effect of appropriate K+ ions was confirmed by adjusting the gel composition and tracking the crystallization process. Moreover, a superior conversion, reusability and regeneration performance for xylose to furfural is achieved with more accessible acidity and a more suitable Lewis/Brønsted acid ratio, which further expands the development of ZSM-48 zeolite.