In situ imaging of two-dimensional surface growth reveals the prevalence and role of defects in zeolite crystallization.

ABSTRACT: Zeolite crystallization predominantly occurs by nonclassical pathways involving the attachment of complex (alumino)silicate precursors to crystal surfaces, yet recurrent images of fully crystalline materials with layered surfaces are evidence of classical growth by molecule attachment. Here we use in situ atomic force microscopy to monitor three distinct mechanisms of two-dimensional (2D) growth of zeolite A where we show that layer nucleation from surface defects is the most common pathway. Direct observation of defects was made possible by the identification of conditions promoting layered growth, which correlates to the use of sodium as an inorganic structure-directing agent, whereas its replacement with an organic results in a nonclassical mode of growth that obscures 2D layers and mar

SUBMITTER: Choudhary MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7682586 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature