Novel biomorphous zeolite/carbon composite having honeycomb structure

Using the cellular tissue of wood, as a template is a new way of preparing zeolite adsorbents and catalysts, having uniform, ordered macro and micropore structure. Cubes of about 1 cm3 size were cut from pinewood (Picea abies) and were carbonized at 700 °C in nitrogen flow. The obtained charcoal cubes contained parallel channels of 20–30 μm diameters, separated by about 1–3 μm thick carbon walls. The hydrophobic character of the walls was reduced by generating O-containing functional groups on their surface using oxidative treatment. The carbon cubes were saturated then by synthesis solution and exposed to hydrothermal conditions. Zeolite/carbon composite was formed wherein a thin continuous layer of zeolite Na-X microcrystals coated the walls of the carbon macropores. Due to the reduced intercrystalline diffusional resistance, the novel preparations are favorable adsorbents and catalysts. The relation between the synthesis conditions and the properties of the obtained composite material was evaluated.