Amino Acid-Assisted Synthesis of Zeolites with Improved Catalytic Properties

Conventional zeolites are limited in their ability to catalyze macromolecular reactions due to micropore constraints, resulting in sluggish reactant and product diffusion and subsequently pore clogging and catalyst deactivation. Consequently, the pore and textural refinement of zeolites to meet industrial demands has become a research hotspot. Herein, we review the amino acid-assisted methods in zeolite synthesis and scrutinize the principle and influential factors governing amino acid involvement in zeolite synthesis. Additionally, we analyze the advantages and challenges associated with the amino acid-assisted method. Certain amino acids can interact with zeolite precursors or crystal surface, thus altering the crystal growth rate and enabling precise control over the crystal size and shape. On the other hand, amino acids can serve as structure-directing agents to orchestrate the generation of mesoporous pores. These capabilities enable the production of zeolites with well-defined pores, particle sizes and/or crystal shapes that satisfy catalytic requirements. Moreover, the unique properties of amino acids allow their complete elimination from the solid product through a simple aqueous washing process, facilitating their recovery for subsequent usage. As result, the amino acid-assisted synthesis methods offer a convenient, green route to zeolites with modulated textual properties for high-performance catalysis.