Abstract
Zeolite UTL is the firstzeolite synthesized with intersecting 14- and 12-ring channels in the form of ger- manosilicate.Its framework consists of dense layers supported ('pillared')by D4R units enriched in Ge.The synthesis of UTL enabled anew insight into our understanding of zeolite properties,role of different templates,mechanism of zeolite synthesis,and isomorphous substitution.In addition to its attractive properties,zeolite UTL is the firstzeol ite that has been selectively transformed (dis-assembled)into indi- vidual 'UTL'layers with preservation of their structure.This disassembly is not only completely new ('top-down')approach in the modi ficationof zeolite materials but also enables further manipulation of the layers like swelling,pillaring,and stabilization.This resulted in anew family of UTL-bas ed materials.Upon suitable manipulation,the UTL layers can be condensed to form two new zeolites IPC-2 and IPC-4 (IZAcode PCR).These zeolites were synthesized via newly proposed synthetic mechanism ADOR (A-assembly,D-dis-assembly,O-organization,R-re-assembly).The ADOR app roach is believed to be ageneral strategy that will lead to the preparation of new zeolites.