Work

Electrochemical acceleration of bulk-phase LTA zeolite crystallization

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Zeolite crystallization is traditionally achieved hydrothermally, with thermal energy driving the assembly of negatively charged, tetrahedrally coordinated silicon and aluminum species with charge-balancing cations. This requires elevated temperatures and long residence times, resulting in high energy input and limited kinetic control. We report an electrochemical strategy to control and accelerate zeolite crystallization at mild temperatures, providing an electrified pathway for materials synthesis. Under galvanostatic operation, zeolite crystallization is enhanced by three synergistic mechanisms. Alkaline water electrolysis generates a large flux of hydroxides (OH − ) at the cathode through the hydrogen evolution reaction, promoting rapid nucleation. Joule heating induces localized temperature increases, further facilitating crystallization. An electric field drives electrophoretic migration of ionic species, leading to the clustering of silicate and aluminate oligomers with charge-balancing cations. These clusters act as prenucleation assemblies that reduce mass transport and accelerate growth. Consequently, zeolite crystallization proceeds substantially faster than conventional hydrothermal synthesis while preserving the framework integrity. By introducing electrochemical potential as an orthogonal synthesis variable, this work offers a pathway for electrified materials synthesis.

Source: Cell Reports Physical Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2026.103507