Consecutive phase transformations of inorganic-organic assembly in the synthesis of single-walled zeolitic nanotube

Single-walled zeolitic nanotube features a one-dimensional, hollow tubular structure with double-layered zeolitic walls, which represents a unique type of open framework materials. The formation mechanism underlying this characteristic structure, however, remains largely unexplored. We herein demonstrate that the hydrothermal synthesis of single-walled zeolitic nanotubes involves a cascade of phase transformations driven by intricate inorganic-organic interactions. As a critical step, the rearrangement of short-range ordered aluminosilicate networks enriched with five-membered rings, coupled with geometric matching to the cylindrical micelles of the bolaform organic structure-directing agent, synergistically drives the development and closure of curvature-induced interfaces, ultimately leading to the formation of single-walled zeolitic nanotubes. The proposed mechanism provides a distinctive understanding into structure-directing behaviors for ordered porous materials. This study offers valuable insights for guiding the rational synthesis and precise property tuning of the single-walled zeolitic nanotube, which hold vast potential for applications in diverse fields.