Structural basis of zeolite chemistry: locating active sites and templates in zeolite nano-crystals by dynamical electron diffraction tomography

Zeolites are important materials, which have broad industrial applications. One of their main applications is catalysis. New and more precisely ordered zeolites are necessary for more efficient and more selective chemical reactions. These aims may be accomplished by introduction of heteroatoms into silicate framework and use of organic and inorganic structure directing agents (SDA) during zeolite synthesis. In this project we will focus on the characterization of the finest structural details like the localization of hydrogen atoms and templating SDA in zeolite nano-crystals. Though these details are subtle from the structural point of view, it is hydrogen atoms and their location, which govern catalytic activity of the material. Such precise structure determination is made possible by dynamical refinement of electron diffraction tomography data. This method was proven to give this level of details in organic molecular crystals and zeo-type materials. The obtained structural information will help to improve our understanding of the structural basis of zeolite chemistry.