4. Catalysis

Each type of zeolite can be obtained with a wide range of compositions, directly by synthesis and/or after post-synthesis treatment. What's more, various compounds can be introduced into the nanopores or even synthesized there (ship-in-the-bottle synthesis). This great adaptability of zeolites explains why they are used in various types of catalysis: acid, basic, acido-basic, redox, bifunctional redox-acid or – basic. It is essential to emphasize that the vast majority of active sites are localized in the zeolite nanopores; this localization explains why the activity, selectivity and stability of zeolites are determined both :

• by site characteristics (acidic, basic, etc.);

• by their location in nanopores close to the molecules of reactants, products and reaction intermediates.

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