Synthesis of mordenite nanocrystals

Mordenite is a zeolite that has been used as a selective adsorbent and as a catalyst. In reactions where the diffusion of reagents into the pore system is the rate-determining step, smaller particles of the catalyst improve the reaction rate. Mordenite with crystal diameter smaller than 100 nm has been prepared by the modification of different synthetic parameters such as the source of aluminum, the presence of seeds, the use of low temperatures, longer crystallization times, and different silica to alumina ratios. The decrease in the crystal diameter of the prepared mordenite was monitored by the application of the Scherrer equation that relates the broadness of the X-ray diffraction peaks to crystal sizes. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Inc.