Synthesis and characterization of TMA-A zeolite nanocrystals incorporating ZnO nanoclusters

Crystalline ZnO nanoclusters were successfully incorporated into TMA-A zeolite using an ion exchange method followed by a hydrothermal method. The crystallization process of the ZnO-incorporated TMA-A zeolite (ZnO/TMA-A) was identified by XRD. The optimal heat-treatment condition for uniform incorporation of ZnO nanoclusters into TMA-A zeolite nanostructure was investigated in detail. The particle morphology and microstructure of the ZnO/TMA-A zeolite were evaluated by SEM and HR-TEM, respectively. The bonding structure and absorption properties of the ZnO/TMA-A zeolite were compared with TMA-A zeolite by the FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.