BETA zeolite nanowire synthesis under non-hydrothermal conditions using carbon nanotubes as template

The properties of carbon nanotubes, used as a nanometric template and as a reactor for the synthesis of BETA zeolite, have been investigated. The confinement effect of the carbon nanotubes, induced by the high aspect ratio of the tubes could be effectively used for the synthesis of one-dimensional nanowire zeolitic materials under non-hydrothermal macroscopic conditions. Zeolite material is easily recovered by combustion of the nanotubes. The average sizes of the zeolite particles are about 20 nm. The BETA zeolite was successfully used as a catalyst for benzoylation of anisol. The zeolite catalyst exhibits a high activity compared to a commercial BETA, essentially due to its high external surface area.