Preface Free

Zeolites have been utilized in catalytic processes extremely successfully for many years. The unique combination of chemical flexibility with highly porous topologies makes for outstanding materials that can be applied to many different processes. One of the most exciting aspects of zeolite chemistry is how fundamental research remains very strong, and how it continues to feed into new applications of these fascinating materials.

In this volume we will update the current thinking on how zeolites are applied to catalytic chemistry with chapters written by some of the world's foremost zeolite scientists. The overall goal of producing such a volume is to provide students with an interest in zeolites an easy to access introduction to the important advances that have been made in the field over the last few years. The chapters range from the basics of zeolite structures and their description, how we elucidate such structures, all the way to how materials are utilized in practice. We very much hope that the development of such a volume will help scientists in the field to develop their knowledge of these fascinating materials.

The book consists of 13 chapters covering the most important topics and recent discoveries in this quickly growing segment of chemistry. Millini and Bellussi start the book with introduction to zeolite chemistry highlighting historical perspectives and the most important milestones in zeolite history. Zeolite structures are key issues in the application of zeolites. Smeets and Zou describe in detail how zeolite structures can be envisaged, what are the building units, from which crystalline structure of zeolites are created, and basic principles of experimental methods applied for structure determination.

Three chapters focus on different aspects of zeolite synthesis. Strohmaier focuses on the role of organic structure-directing agents, which are crucial for the preparation of most zeolitic structures. Expansion of pores into hierarchical zeolites combining micro- and mesoporosity is discussed by the group headed by Schwieger. While recent advances in two-dimensional zeolites, their different synthetic approaches and further transformations into new zeolites or zeolite-like materials are covered by Eliášová and Čejka.

In addition, three chapters are dedicated to the characterization of zeolites. Morris and Allan provide an overview on X-ray diffraction, magic angle spinning NMR, and adsorption techniques, which are mostly used in the determination of zeolite structures. The team led by Weckhuysen introduces spectroscopy as a powerful tool to characterize zeolite-based catalyst materials in all stages of their lifecycles, from crystallization to modification and structuring to use in reactions and eventual deactivation and regeneration. Various microscopic techniques are evaluated by Zhou, including application of advanced approaches.

The final part, consisting of five chapters, provides an overview of catalytic applications of zeolites from different perspectives. Abdo and Wilson evidence the absolute importance of zeolites as key parts of industrial catalysts. Petrochemical applications centred on the production of olefins and aromatics are assessed by Martinez. On the other hand, Opanasenko gives plenty of nice examples of how zeolites control activity and selectivity in the synthesis of chemical specialties and fine chemicals. The emerging area of biomass transformation over zeolites is discussed in detail by author team of Serrano. Last but not least, Elderkamp, Gascon, and Kapteijn give their opinion on the most important developments in the field of zeolite membrane reactors.

We would like to thank all the authors for their timely reviews of different topics and RSC staff for great help during the preparation of this book. We trust that readers spanning from newcomers to the fascinating field of zeolites up to experienced researchers will enjoy reading this book.

Jiří Čejka, Russell E. Morris and Petr Nachtigall