Direct Observation of Zeolite A Synthesis by in Situ Solid-State NMR

This paper describes the use of in situ solid-state NMR and X-ray powder diffraction to study the real-time synthesis of zeolite A. In particular 27 Al and 29 Si are used to monitor the growth of the crystalline phase and the species which occur in solution and the gel phases. A parallel in situ X-ray diffraction study was used to investigate the development of long-range order of the material. Conclusions concerning the mechanism of the formation of zeolite A are proposed.