A New Route for the Synthesis of Uniform Nanozeolites with Hydrophobic External Surface in Organic Solvent Medium

Uniform silylated nanozeolites were synthesized in organic solvent medium in the presence of hexadecytrimethylsilane. The resulting zeolites have not only small/uniform crystal sizes, but also a hydrophobic external surface. These zeolites are considered of potential for application as catalysts in reactions involving bulky molecules, owing to their high external surface area, reduced diffusion pathways, and exposed active sites.