High-resolution electron microscopy study on the growth of zeolite L nanoclusters

The synthesis of zeolite L nanoclusters that starts from a clear mixture and proceeds through the formation of an amorphous gel phase is followed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It is shown that by examining the solid products from partially crystallized samples, it is possible to deduce information concerning growth events at the nanometer scale. HRTEM studies reveal a definite link between the gel microstructure and the zeolite L nanocluster morphology. Moreover, it is demonstrated that a cautious interpretation of HRTEM information does not justify the conclusion that growth takes place by agglomeration of individual zeolite L nanocrystals but rather by propagation of more isolated nucleation events through the gel network.