Recent advances in the development of nanosheet zeolites as heterogeneous catalysts

Recently, zeolites with two-dimensional structures, so-called nanosheet zeolites, have been intensively advanced owing to their excellent catalytic performance compared to conventional zeolite. This extremely thin nanosheet structure of zeolite provides more accessible active sites contributing to shortened diffusion pathways and pri-marily enables bulky molecules to undergo catalytic reactions. Several nanosheet zeolites, such as MFI, FAU, MOR, MWW, TS-1, have been successfully synthesized. Generally, they are obtained by direct synthesis method involving surfactant as structure-directing agent (SDA) and or seed. Interestingly, almost every part of the synthesis parameter conditions can alter the characteristics of this nanosheet zeolite. Thus, 2D zeolites also offer easily tunable characteristics. Up to now, nanosheet zeolites have been extensively studied as a catalyst in methanol conversion, catalytic cracking, isomerization, alkylation, oxidation/reduction, lignocellulose conver-sion, and other reactions. Furthermore, the modification of nanosheet zeolite could be pursued to enhance its catalytic performance. Pillaring is evidently effective in improving the textural properties of nanosheet zeolite by protecting the mesopore structure during the SDA removal. Herein, we comprehensively present the recent progress on the development of nanosheet zeolites. This review concludes with a summary of a discussion of remaining challenges and outlook for nanosheet catalyst technologies.

Automated summary

Recently, there has been significant progress in the development of zeolites with two-dimensional structures, also known as nanosheet zeolites, due to their superior catalytic performance compared to conventional zeolite. The thin nanosheet structure of zeolite provides more accessible active sites, allowing for efficient catalytic reactions. Various nanosheet zeolites, including MFI, FAU, MOR, MWW, and TS-1, have been successfully synthesized using direct synthesis methods involving surfactants and/or seeds. Interestingly, the characteristics of these nanosheet zeolites can be easily modified by adjusting the synthesis parameters. Nanosheet zeolites have been extensively studied as catalysts in a wide range of reactions, such as methanol conversion, catalytic cracking, isomerization, alkylation, oxidation/reduction, and lignocellulose conversion. The modification of nanosheet zeolites, such as pillaring, has been shown to enhance their catalytic performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in nanosheet zeolites, including the challenges and future outlook of nanosheet catalyst technologies.