Zeolite synthesis in hydrated silicate ionic liquids.

Hydrated alkali silicate ionic liquids (HSIL) were prepared by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in alkali hydroxide-water mixtures, inducing coacervation and phase separation. The resulting optically clear, homogenous silicate ionic liquid offers exceptional potential for monitoring zeolite crystallisation. This enhanced synthesis route provides access to analysis of speciation, mechanistic details of zeolite formation, and brings organic-template-free zeolite synthesis by design within reach.