Rapid, Non-Toxic Synthesis of Beta Zeolites

Molecular sieves with beta zeolite topology are promising catalysts for various reactions as they exhibits extraordinary Lewis acidity. However, their industrial application and related research in academica is hindered because their synthesis is time consuming and typically involves toxic chemicals as hydrofluoric acid. Therefore, tetraethylammonium fluorid was tested as a non-toxic fluotide source for the synthesis of beta zeolites. In combination with the previously reported nano-seeded growth method, a fast synthesis of beta zeolites only involving non-toxic chemicals was possible. Synthesized zeolites show comparable selectivity in the Bayer-Villinger oxidation as conventional zeolites synthesized with hydrofluoric acid.