Zeolites as initial structures for the preparation of functional materials

Abstract

Functional materials that have a prominent place in high technology are not classified according to their origin (metals, ceramics, polymers, glass, etc.) or processing technology, but by the functions they can perform. Zeolites are an interesting and important raw material for preparing a variety of target substances. From a traditional point of view, they are aluminosilicate oxide with a nanoporous structure. However, zeolites are adsorbents, ion exchangers, catalysts, and can be used in medicine, agriculture, construction and many other applications. The availability of natural minerals, as well as methods of synthesis of their analogues, and modification of both natural and synthetic materials, developed in sufficient detail, allows to obtain a variety of substances with predetermined properties, which are tailored for specific purposes. This paper will discuss a wide range of existing and also possible applications of these materials, such as catalysis, photocatalysis and sensor design. The specified modifications are achieved through controlled changes in the chemical composition of the zeolite surface.