X-Ray Powder Diffraction Characterization of Zeolitic Systems

Given the complex nature of the crystal structure and small crystal size with an anisotropic morphology of UZM-5, the normal X-ray diffraction patterns were not sufficient to deduce an unambiguous structure. Thus a multi-technique approach was required to successfully solve the structure, to explain the adsorption properties and by analogy to the structure of other zeolites in order to assess potential applications. 

X-Ray powder diffraction is a powerful tool for characterization of zeolites. The basic experiment is relatively easy to perform and can be done in most labs on standard diffractometers and the data obtained is easy to analyze for many applications. Powder diffraction can be used to determine whether a new zeolite has been synthesized, whether a desired zeolite has been made or whether a crystallization process has completed. As noted in Section 4.2, X-ray powder diffraction can be an integral tool in determining the details of the structure of a newly synthesized zeolite. In addition, it is a critical characterization technique that can be routinely used, for example, to identify contaminants present in a synthesis, to determine how much zeolite has been bound into a catalyst or adsorbent pellet, or to ascertain if heat treatment alters the zeolite structure. Of the techniques described in this chapter, powder diffraction is probably the most commonly used. Additional details can be found elsewhere [15-19]. 

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