Engineering Zeolitic and Nanostructured Molecular Sieves for Selective Catalysis: Structural Insights and Synthetic Strategies

Noor  Zulfiqar; Fareeha Khalid; Wisha Khan; Wardha Yasien; Fatima Shakoor; Sidra Afzal; Satyadhar Joshi; Fawad Inam

doi:10.61797/ijanca.v4i2.561

Noor Zulfiqar Researcher, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Fareeha Khalid Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Wisha Khan Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Lahore, Pakistan
Wardha Yasien Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Fatima Shakoor Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Sidra Afzal Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Government College for Women University, Jail Road Lahore, Pakistan
Satyadhar Joshi Independent Researcher, Department Information Technology, MSIT Alumnus, Touro College, New York, NY 10010, USA
Fawad Inam Professor, School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London, Docklands Campus, University Way, London, UK and Oxford Business College, Macclesfield House, New Road, Oxford, UK.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61797/ijanca.v4i2.561

Keywords: Zeolitic molecular sieves, Catalysis, Hydrothermal synthesis, Nanocasting, Isomerization, Alkylation, Pore structure, Shape selectivity

Abstract

Molecular sieves, particularly zeolites, are crystalline aluminosilicates with precisely defined pore structures that enable size- and shape-selective catalysis. Their unique three-dimensional frameworks, composed of interconnected channels and cavities, offer high thermal stability, ion-exchange capacity, and tunable hydrophilic–hydrophobic properties, making them essential materials in petrochemical, fine chemical, and environmental processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of zeolitic and nanostructured molecular sieves, emphasizing structure–property relationships, framework topology, and acidity as key determinants of catalytic activity. Advances in synthesis strategies, including hydrothermal crystallization, nanocasting, surfactant-assisted assembly, and hierarchical structuring, are highlighted, with a focus on tailoring morphology, porosity, and chemical composition to enhance performance. Catalytic applications discussed range from fluid catalytic cracking and light olefin production to selective alkylation, isomerization, and aromatic substitution, where materials such as ZSM-5, MCM-22, MCM-56, and ZSM-22 exhibit outstanding activity, selectivity, and durability. By integrating nanoscale engineering approaches with traditional zeolite chemistry, molecular sieves continue to evolve as versatile and high-performance catalysts, reinforcing their industrial significance and opening avenues for next-generation catalytic systems.