Synthesis of ferrierite-type zeolite in the presence of a catalytic amountof pyrrolidine and sodium bis(2-ethyhlhexyl) sulfosuccinate

Synthesis of ferrierite (FER) type zeolite with varying Si to Al ratios in the presence of a catalytic amount of pyrrolidine and sodium bis(2-ethylhex yl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in aqueous media is reported. The surfactant moiet ies direct pyrrolidine molecules in a particular fashion, resulting in a si xfold decrease in the required amount of template as compared to convention al procedure, for FER crystallization. The product obtained was highly crys talline and pure. In the presence of AOT alone, ferrierite co-crystallized with the ZSM-5 phase, indicating AOT is not acting as a structure-directing agent and a small concentration of pyrrolidine (similar to2 wt%) template is essential for the ferrierite crystallization. A scanning electron microg raph showed uniformity in crystals (average 2-3 mum) consisting of broad pl ate type morphology. The crystal structure of FER (AOT/Py) maintains struct ural integrity until about 1000 degreesC. FER (AOT/Py) has been further cha racterized by employing XRD, XRF, IR, and TG/DTA techniques. (C) 2001 Acade mic Press.