Visualizing the Flexibility of RHO Nanozeolite: Experiment and Modeling

Structural flexibility is an intrinsic feature of zeolites, and the characterization of such dynamic behavior is key to maximizing their performance and realizing their potential in both existing and emerging applications. Here, the flexibility of a high-aluminum nano-sized RHO zeolite is directly visualized with in situ TEM for the first time. Variable temperature experiments directly observe the physical expansion of the discrete nanocrystals in response to changes in both guest-molecule chemistry (Ar vs CO₂) and temperature. The observations are complemented by operando FTIR spectroscopy verifying the nature of the adsorbed CO₂ within the pore network, the desorption kinetics of carbonate species, and changes to the structural bands at high temperatures. Quantum chemical modeling of the RHO zeolite structure substantiates the effect of cation (Na⁺ and Cs⁺) mobility in the absence and presence of CO₂ on the flexibility behavior of the structure. The results demonstrate the combined influences of temperature and CO₂ on the structural flexibility consistent with the experimental microscopy observations.