Seeding Bundlelike MFI Zeolite Mesocrystals: A Dynamic, Nonclassical Crystallization via Epitaxially Anisotropic Growth

Direct synthesis by assembly of precursor nanoparticles is a promising strategy for preparing distinct mesoscopic-structured crystals, especially when high controllability is realized. However, uncertain properties of amorphous precursors and inner complicacy of crystallization mechanisms hamper controllable synthesis of zeolite mesocrystals. Here, we develop a salt-aided seed-induced organic-free method to facilely synthesize anisotropic MFI-type nanorod-bundle zeolite mesocrystals. An epitaxial, anisotropic assembly and crystallization of precursor particles on seed crystals is successfully achieved via a distinctively dynamic, nonclassical process, from relatively disordered to ordered attachment (OA), triggering an enhanced one-dimensional (1D) growth, thus constructing a unique core–shell–shell structure. This work sheds new light on the insights of both zeolite mesocrystal properties and a nonclassical crystallization mechanism. With an understanding of the mechanism, this nonclassical process can be exploited to systematically tune mesocrystal properties and create zeolite materials with novel or enhanced physical and chemical performance.