Laboratory Research Results Published in Science

A research project led by Professors Le Xu and Jian Li (jointly appointed by Nanjing University) from Suzhou Laboratory, collaborating with researchers from Nanjing University, Nanjing Tech University, and other institutions, has advanced the development of extra-large-pore zeolite catalytic materials. Their findings, titled "Accelerated discovery of stable, extra-large-pore nano zeolites with micro-electron diffraction," were published in Science on June 27, 2025.

The synthesis of structurally stable, nanoscale zeolites with extra-large pores has long posed challenges in petroleum-based carbon resource conversion. Conventional industrial zeolites are primarily microporous, where narrow channels restrict reactant diffusion, promote coke deposition, and trigger side reactions. The newly synthesized materials NJU-120-1 and NJU-120-2 overcome these limitations: both are fully connected aluminosilicates featuring an interpenetrating multidimensional pore system with 22-membered-ring extra-large pore channels - setting a new record for the largest free sphere diameter in zeolites. Using microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED), the team achieved rapid nanocrystal structure resolution, significantly accelerating synthesis pathway optimization. The synergistic effect of extra-large pores and nanostructures endows these materials with exceptional catalytic cracking performance for large-molecule carbon-based chemicals.

This work opens new avenues for designing catalytic materials in energy and chemical engineering, particularly offering novel strategies for catalysts converting carbon dioxide into chemical products.