Abstract
A new one step approach for the preparation of MFI-type zeolites through direct trans-formation of pre-modified diatomite is reported. Two diatomite species modified by calcination and acid treatment were used as silica and alumina sources. The progress of the transformation was investigated by analyzing samples after different crystallization times at 453 K. Tetrapropylammonium hydroxide was utilized for the first time as bi-functional molecule for silica dissolution in diatomite and structure directing agent during zeolite formation. In this way, the use of an additional alkaline source, such as sodium hydroxide, for silica dissolution was not necessary. The applied diatomite samples contained amorphous silica in combination with impurities like feldspar, anatase and quartz. This allowed the systematic investigation of the influence of modification procedure, amorphous silica content and crystalline impurities of the different diatomite samples on the direct transformation in MFI-type zeolites. During the transformation process, the feldspar was totally dissolved. The quartz content was reduced to < 10 wt% in the final products as compared with the modified diatomite starting material. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy and optical emission spectroscopy were used to characterize these materials.