Synthesis of template-free zeolite nanocrystals by using in situ thermoreversible polymer hydrogels.

A simple effective strategy was developed by using thermoreversible polymer hydrogels as space-confining nanoreactors to control zeolite nucleation and growth. In particular, the synthesis of zeolite 4A nanocrystals 20-180 nm in size and zeolite X nanocrystals 10-100 nm in size from template-free precursor solution was demonstrated. The synthesized zeolite nanocrystals exhibit good dispersibility, as evidenced by dynamic light-scattering measurements.