Synthesis of silicalite-1 in bicontinuous microemulsion containing AOT

Silicalite-1 has been hydrothermally synthesized in a bicontinuous microemu lsion of tetraethylenepentamine-sodium bis(2-ethylhexly) sulfosuccinate (AO T)-water system containing fluoride ions. The presence of AOT tan anionic s urfactant) has been found to be essential for the formation of Silicalite-l in bulk tetraethylene pentamine solvent. The tetrahedral binding sites of silicon atom have been confirmed by Si-29 magic angle spinning NMR and FT-I R spectra. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis studies on a s-synthesized Silicalite-l and X-ray diffraction pattern for calcined produ ct established their structural stability. The scanning electron micrograph s show the twinned and uniform morphology of crystals. The presence of addi tive (AOT) lengthens the nucleation period and helps to produce a large siz e crystal of Silicalite-l. (C) 1999 Academic Press.