Synthesis of zeolite beta in fluoride media under microwave irradiation

Zeolite beta has been successfully prepared at 150 degreesC within 4 h by direct synthesis under microwave irradiation. Addition of seeds into the synthesis solution under microwave irradiation did not affect overall synthesis time of the material significantly, while addition of ammonium fluoride accelerated the crystallization of zeolite beta. In particular, microwave technique combined with fluoride species and seeding led to more rapid synthesis of crystalline zeolite beta. Upon microwave irradiation fluoride species and the microwave-activated water in the synthesis solution might be ascribed to shortening an induction period at the nucleation step, resulting in the rapid synthesis of the material. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.