Zeolites X and A crystallization compared by simultaneous UV/VIS-Raman and X-ray diffraction

The hydrothermal crystallizations of two zeolite topologies (FAU and LTA) have been studied by simultaneous UV-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction in a home built setup. A wide angle X-ray diffractometer has been redesigned and combined with Raman components. The results revealed, despite similar structures of the starting gels, different aluminosilicate species evolved in the two systems, prior to emerging Bragg scattering. Based on this the sodalite cage could be ruled out as a common building unit for both frameworks.