Seed-induced synthesis of functional MFI zeolite materials: Method development, crystallization mechanisms, and catalytic properties

As an important zeolite material, MFI zeolites, as well as their controllable synthesis, are of great interest in both basic and applied science. Among the developed synthetic approaches, the seed-induced method has gradually evolved into a facile, low-cost, and even green alternative to give zeolites the desirable physicochemical properties. In this review, we briefly summarize the development of seed-induced syntheses of diverse functional MFI zeolites, where the “living” seed crystals not only direct the formation of zeolitic framework but also function as special “templates” or “units” to fine-tune the zeolite materials with diverse sizes, shapes, compositions, morphologies and pore structures. Moreover, on the basis of their structural features and crystallization behaviors in seed-induced synthesis, we reveal the roles of seeds and discuss the related crystallization mechanisms including both classical and non-classical pathways. We also want to guide readers to investigate the structure-performance relationships between these functional MFI zeolite catalysts and suitable catalytic reactions.