Ultrafast synthesis of zeolites: breakthrough, progress and perspective

Zeolites maintain the momentum of their existing applications and continue to find new applications in the fields of catalysis and separation. Such application prospects call for an efficient synthesis of high-quality zeolites. Nevertheless, the conventional hydrothermal synthesis, which is typically carried out under batch operation, usually takes several days or even several weeks to yield a zeolite with the desired structure and properties. Improving the synthesis efficiency is of high significance to boost the applications of zeolites in diverse fields. Recently, our group has established an ultrafast route for synthesizing a series of industrially important zeolites. The synthesis periods for these zeolites were shortened to tens of or several minutes, which are in stark contrast to the long synthesis periods that are required in the conventional approach. The continuous flow synthesis of zeolites was also realized thanks to the ultrashort synthesis period. In this review, we present our recent progress on the ultrafast synthesis of zeolites, with a focus on discussing how the remarkably enhanced crystallization rate could be achieved. We also offer our perspective on the potential consequences that the ultrafast synthesis could initiate to the mechanism study as well as the mass production of zeolites.