Transformation of LEV-type zeolite into less dense CHA-type zeolite

Hydrothermal conversion of LEV-type zeolite into CHA-type zeolite occurred in the absence of both an organic structure-directing agent and a seed crystal. The LEV-CHA transformation proceeds from a more dense zeolite (LEV) to a less dense one (CHA). When amorphous aluminosilicate hydrogels were used as starting materials, the CHA-type zeolite was not obtained under the present hydrothermal synthesis conditions. From the fact that the LEV-CHA transformation proceeded at lower alkalinity conditions, it was suggested that locally ordered aluminosilicate species (nanoparts) produced by decomposition/dissolution of the starting LEV-type zeolite contribute to the transformation process. On the other hand, at higher alkalinity than that used for the CHA-type zeolite synthesis, LEV-LTA transformation occurred effectively and selectively. These results suggest that there is a large difference in the structures of nanoparts generated by decomposition/dissolution of the starting zeolite in the LEV-CHA and LEV-LTA transformations. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.