GROWTH OF ZEOLITE CRYSTALLITES AND COATINGS ON METAL-SURFACES

Zeolite crystals have been grown on metal surfaces by modified hydrothermal alteration methods. Coatings of zeolites can be grown in thicknesses ranging from 1 μm to about 1 mm. Zeolite crystals can be selectively bonded to one side of the metal substrate due to gravitational effects during the zeolite crystallization. Several types of syntheses have been successful, such as the growth of crystals at metal surfaces directly in the autoclave and growth of zeolites at metal surfaces that have been spin coated or immersed in various mother liquors. The zeolites have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, 180° peel strength measurements, and surface area measurements. Details of the synthetic preparation are also discussed. The purpose of making such coatings is to prepare new materials with possible uses in such areas as electrochemistry, catalysis, adsorption, sensor applications, semiconductor circuitry, and photochemistry. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.