Hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite into aluminous MTN zeolite

The hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite into aluminous MTN zeolite is described here. In the presence of both benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (BTMAOH) and sodium chloride (NaCl) the highly crystalline and pure MTN zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 21-23 could be obtained from the hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite. Based on powder XRD refinement and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra, BTMA+ ions were not present in cages of the obtained zeolites, but TMA+ ions existed instead. It means that BTMAOH underwent degradation during the conversion. Moreover, the effects of Si/Al ratio of starting FAU zeolite, synthesis parameters (BTMAOH/SiO2 and H2O/SiO2 ratios) and the addition of alkali metal chlorides on the hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite into MTN zeolite are discussed. As compared to amorphous SiO2/γ-Al2O3, which produced impurity, the hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite showed a fast crystallization rate and a high selectivity to MTN zeolite formation. These phenomena indicate that the assembly of locally ordered aluminosilicate species coming from the decomposition or dissolution of FAU zeolite should be taking part in the conversion process.