Structural characterisation of micro- and mesoporous materials by electronmicroscopy

Zeolites are one of the most important materials currently used in the petr oleum industry for a wide variety of catalytic transformations. However, th ey are increasingly being considered for other applications such as for des igning quantum-confined materials in their spaces. With such applications i n mind, precise characterisation of zeolites and related porous materials h as never been more necessary. Here we show how electron diffraction coupled with high-resolution imaging can reveal the detailed fine structure in bot h the bulk and at the surface of these materials. A variety of case studies are considered which include ETS-IO, FAU, LTL and FSM-16. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science Limited. All rights reserved.