Preparation of Zeolites Supported on Optical Microfibers

Samples of zeolites supported on optical microfibers were prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a binding agent using sol−gel methods. A slower rate of TEOS hydrolysis in the sol−gel relative to the rate of silanol condensation was observed to be crucial for successful support of the zeolite particles on the optical fibers. The amount of water and the pH of the reaction gel were varied to control and optimize the rates of hydrolysis and condensation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the zeolite particles on the optical microfibers. The zeolite adhesion obtained was robust as the particles sustained spinning at 2000 Hz and suspension in flowing water for 12 h. The zeolite-supported optical fibers provide an improved catalyst system for the introduction of light into zeolite pores.