Synthesis of ultra-small mordenite zeolite nanoparticles

The mordenite (MOR) nanoparticles (MNPs) with ultra-small crystallites (∼30 nm) were synthesized by using tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB) as structure directing agent at low temperature (403 K). The formation of MNPs was considered to be due to high concentration of TEAB and occurrence of limiting Ostwald ripening at low temperature. The MNPs exhibited not only higher catalytic activity at low temperature for selective catalytic reduction of NOx but also higher catalytic activity and longer lifetime for disproportionation of toluene than conventional MOR (c-MOR) bulk crystals.