IDM-1: A Zeolite with Intersecting Medium and Extra-Large Pores Built as an Expansion of Zeolite MFI

IDM-1 is a new silica zeolite with an ordered and well-defined framework constructed by alternating pentasil layers and interrupted layers, giving rise to an intersecting system of straight medium pores and undulating extra-large lobed pores. This unique structure was solved by rotation electron diffraction and refined against synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. Despite the presence of both Si(OSi)₃ (OH) and Si(OSi)₂ (OH)₂ sites, this new zeolite presents high thermal stability, withstanding calcination even to 1000 °C. The location of defects at specific sites of the structure results in alternating hydrophobic SiO₂ and hydrophilic SiO_(2-x) (OH)_2x intracrystalline regions. This peculiar combination of intersecting medium and extra-large pores and alternating regions of different chemical character may provide this zeolite with unique catalytic properties.