Formation of ZSM-5 (MFI) Zeolite Fiber

Abstract

Zeolite fiber was manufactured from the nanosized ZSM-5 crystals. In this process, it was found that the size of zeolite particles (≤200nm) play critical role in the fiber formation. To obtain nanosized zeolite crystals, ZSM-5 zeolite was crystallized at the temperature of 80°C and the atmospheric pressure. The size of zeolite was observed to be dependent on Si/Al ratio. Si/Al ratio of 33 was optimum for the synthesis of 200-nm sized zeolites. The formation of zeolite fiber was also affected by the interaction between particles and solvent. High adhesion energy of zeolite particles seems to be required to form the fiber. ZSM-5 zeolite fiber was transparent because the size of zeolite particles is below the wavelength of visible light (400-700nm). The particle size of ZSM-5 fiber was found to be larger than that of TS-1 zeolite fiber (80nm).