Advancements in synthesis strategies and environmental application of FAU-type zeolite: Bibliometric-driven review

FAU zeolites have emerged as multifunctional materials with broad applications in catalysis and adsorption, owing to their hierarchical pore architectures, elevated specific surface areas, and adjustable extra-framework cationic sites. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in FAU zeolite research with emphasis on their roles in environmental pollutant mitigation. A bibliometric analysis was performed to ascertain worldwide research trends, cooperation networks, and principal theme areas. Strategies for synthesis and functionalization, including crystallization pathways, one-pot methods, and post-synthetic modifications, were systematically evaluated for their capacity to tailor structural and physicochemical properties. Environmental applications were discussed in detail, particularly in heavy metal extraction, CO 2 capture, and catalytic NO x reduction. Despite these advances, challenges persisted, notably restricted chemical stability under extreme pH conditions, scalability obstacle from laboratory to industrial production, and the necessity for enhanced catalytic efficiency, were emphasized. By integrating fundamental understanding with application-oriented perspectives, this review identifies existing knowledge gaps and delineates future directions for the rational design of FAU zeolites toward sustainable environmental remediation. This review summarized crystallization pathways and synthesis strategies of FAU zeolites, emphasizing their environmental applications in heavy metal removal, CO 2 adsorption, and NO x reduction, supported by bibliometric analysis to reveal global research trends and future directions. • The bibliometric analysis of research year, institution, and hotspots for FAU zeolite was combed. • The mechanism of FAU crystal pathways and synthesis of FAU-supported catalysts were summarized. • Environmental applications in removal of heavy metals, CO 2 adsorption and catalytic reduction of NO x were analyzed. • The current challenges and perspectives of gap between laboratory and industrial-scale synthesis and application were presented.