Transient modes of zeolite surface growth from 3D gel-like islands to 2D single layers.

ABSTRACT: Zeolite crystallization occurs by multifaceted processes involving molecule attachment and nonclassical pathways governed by the addition of amorphous precursors. Here, we use scanning probe microscopy to monitor zeolite LTA crystallization in situ with a spatiotemporal resolution that captures dynamic processes in real time. We report a distinctive pathway involving the formation of gel-like islands from supersaturated solutions comprised of (alumino)silicate molecules. Three-dimensional assembly and evolution of these islands constitutes a unique mode of growth that differs from classical theories. Time-resolved imaging also reveals that growth can occur by (nearly) oriented attachment. At later stages of crystallization, a progressive transition to lower supersaturation shifts growth to

SUBMITTER: Kumar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5974312 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature