Regular HZSM-5 microboxes prepared via a mild alkaline treatment

HZSM-5 zeolite microboxes with a thin intact shell and large hollow core have been synthesized by a mild alkaline treatment of ZSM-5 single-crystals with Na(2)CO(3) solution. The obtained product was characterized by means of N(2) adsorption, XRD, FT-IR, TEM, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. The morphology and architecture of the small zeolite microboxes are exceptionally uniform and regular. On the other hand, the intrinsic crystalline properties in the alkaline treated zeolite are well preserved. Furthermore, the zeolite microbox catalyst exhibits higher activity than the parent HZSM-5 by facilitating the diffusion of molecules.