Zeolite constructor kit: Design for catalytic applications

Pure microporosity of conventional zeolites is a disadvantage for the processes required enhanced accessibility that can be overcome by the design of mesoporous or hierarchical zeolites. Approaches for development of additional porosity in zeolite materials including diverse bottom-up and top-down strategies are considered and compared in this paper. Zeolites are presented as construction kits to produce more open and hence active materials for catalytic applications. This review focuses on the understanding of advantages and limitations of each synthesis approach. The advances in design of hierarchical materials as catalysts are exemplified by comparison with bulk analogues. The possibilities for encapsulation of nanoparticles in microporous or hierarchical zeolitic frameworks are also assessed.