Zeolite Structure Direction: Metals with a Dual Role as Amine Coordinators and Siloxy Connectors

Abstract Innovation in the synthesis of new zeolites is achieved primarily through the use of costly novel organic compounds as structure‐directing agents (SDAs). Here, a novel type of structure‐direction based on a metal‐amine coordination polymer leading to a 3‐dimensional silicate‐based hybrid material, LEU‐1, is presented. The Zn‐amine polymer not only serves as an SDA, but also plays a practical role in extending the inorganic connectivity in the form of Zn‐O‐Si bonds. This dual‐role mechanism leads to unique hybrids with huge potential for creating zeolite‐like materials. It is demonstrated that by using the silicate layer in LEU‐1 as a platform, two novel pure‐silica zeolites can be generated. This synthesis strategy, rooted in the coordination diversity of metal‐amines, opens the door to more novel zeolite structures.