Two-dimensional zeolitic materials have drawn increasing attention because of their structural diversity, high accessible surface areas, and potential as precursors to form novel three-dimensional (3D) structures. Here we report a new layered fluoroaluminophosphate, denoted as EMM-9 (ExxonMobil Material #9), synthesized in the same synthesis system as that for a previously reported 3D framework structure EMM-8 (framework-type code: SFO) using an F- medium and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) as the organic structure-directing agent. The structure of EMM-9 was solved from rotation electron diffraction data and refined against synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. The fluoroaluminophosphate layer of EMM-9 is composed of sti composite building units. The DMAP cations are located between the layers. pi-pi interactions between the DMAP cations and hydrogen bonding between the DMAP cations and layers were identified. The layered EMM-9 structure is closely related to the 3D framework structure of EMM-8 and can be transformed to EMM-8 by calcination.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an important tool for structure characterization of zeolite materials. Structural information can be obtained by different TEM techniques, for example electron diffraction (ED), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron tomography (ET), each with its own advantages and limitations. These techniques are briefly introduced. Examples are given to show how these techniques can be used to solve various structure-related problems in zeolites. With this review we will describe the basic principles of transmission electron microscopy techniques for structural characterization, including recent methodological advancements. Advantages as well as challenges of using TEM for structural characterization will be described in relation to other methods. Examples of structural characterization of zeolites will be given for each of the methods.

A base-resistant porphyrin metal organic framework (MOF), namely PCN-602 has been constructed with 12-connected [Ni-8(OH)(4)(H2O)(2)Pz(12)] (Pz = pyrazolate) cluster and a newly designed pyrazolate-based porphyrin ligand, 5,10,15,20-tetralds (4- (pyrazolate-4-yl)phenyl)porphyrin under the guidance of the reticular synthesis strategy. Besides its robustness in hydroxide solution, PCN-602 also shows excellent stability in aqueous solutions of F-, CO32-, and PO43- ions. Interestingly, the Mn3+-porph-yrinic PCN-602, as a recyclable MOF catalyst, presents high catalytic activity for the C-H bond halogenation reaction in a basic system, significantly outperforming its homogeneous counterpart. For the first time, a porphyrinic MOF was thus used as an efficient catalyst in a basic solution with coordinating anions, to the best of our knowledge.

A highly porous metal-organic framework (MOF) with large pores was successfully obtained via solvothermal assembly of a ''click''-extended tricarboxylate ligand and Zn(II) ions. The inherent feature of large-molecule accessible pores endows the MOF with a unique property for utilization toward large guest molecules.

The aluminosilicate zeolite ZSM-43 (where ZSM = Zeolite Socony Mobil) was first synthesized more than 3 decades ago, but its chemical structure remained unsolved because of its poor crystallinity and small crystal size. Here we present optimization of the ZSM-43 synthesis using a high-throughput approach and subsequent structure determination by the combination of electron crystallographic methods and powder X-ray diffraction. The synthesis required the use of a combination of both inorganic (Cs+ and K+) and organic (choline) structure-directing agents. High-throughput synthesis enabled a screening of the synthesis conditions, which made it possible to optimize the synthesis, despite its complexity, in order to obtain a material with significantly improved crystallinity. When both rotation electron diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging techniques are applied, the structure of ZSM-43 could be determined. The structure of ZSM-43 is a new zeolite framework type and possesses a unique two-dimensional channel system limited by 8-ring channels ZSM-43 is stable upon calcination, and sorption measurements show that the material is suitable for adsorption of carbon dioxide as well as methane.

Silicogermanate (JU110) with an interrupted open-framework has been synthesized by using a hydrothermal method using 1,1′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(1-methylpyrrolidin-1-ium) hydroxide as an organic structure-directing agent (OSDA). Silicon and fluoride anions were introduced to the concentrated-gel synthesis system, and different synthetic parameters influencing the synthesis were discussed. The structure of JU110 was characterised by using rotation electron diffraction (RED) and high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction. JU110 crystallizes in the space group Fm2m (No. 42) with a = 13.9117(2) Å, b = 18.2980(3) Å and c = 32.7800(6) Å. The structure is constructed by the sti layers found in the STI framework that are pillared by D4R/Ge₇ units to form a large cavity, showing 10-ring openings along [100] and 9-ring openings along [110]. Thermal stability studies showed that the framework was maintained with the loss of water molecules, but collapsed with the removal of charge-compensating cations.

The attractive properties of layered inorganic materials, which make them suitable for numerous applications in chemical industries and life sciences, originated from their crystalline framework structures. Here, we report a new layered germanate PKU-21, which was prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis method using 2-propanolamine (MIPA) as the structure-directing agent. The structure of PKU-21 was determined from synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. It reveals a complicated framework structure containing 18 unique Ge atoms in the asymmetric unit. PKU-21 is the first layered germanate built from both Ge-7 and Ge-10 clusters, following the 3-dimensional germanate PKU-17. The preparation and structure of PKU-21 are discussed in comparison with PKU-17, which provides new insight into the formation mechanism of germanates. Gas sorption experiments indicate that the layered PKU-21 sample exhibits a better CO2 sorption selectivity over N-2 and CH4 at 298K than at 273K, making it a promising candidate for CO2 separation.

A novel quasi-zeolite PKU-15, with a rare 3-dimensional structure containing interconnected large (12-ring), medium (10-ring) and small (7-ring) multi-pore channels, was hydrothermally synthesised and characterised. A unique tri-bridging O2- anion is found to be encapsulated in the cage-like (Ge,Si)(12)O-31 building unit and energetically stabilises the PKU-15 framework. The removal of this oxygen atom would convert PKU-15 into a hypothetical zeolite PKU-15H. Thus, PKU-15 can be considered as a unique 'quasi-zeolite', which bridges porous germanates and zeolites. Owing to the absence of terminal Ge-OH groups in its structure, PKU-15 shows a remarkably high thermal stability of up to 600 degrees C. PKU-15 is also the first microporous germanate that exhibits permanent porosity, with a BET area of 428 m(2) g(-1) and a good adsorption affinity toward CO2.

A new silicogermanate (PKU-20) was hydrothermally synthesized using triethylisopropylammonium cation as the structure directing agent in the presence of fluoride. Its structure was determined from a combination of synchrotron single crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction data. PKU-20 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m, with the lattice parameters of a = 18.5901(6) angstrom, b = 13.9118 (4) angstrom, c = 22.2614(7) angstrom and beta = 100.1514 (12)degrees. The framework of PKU-20 is constructed from an alternate stacking of sti and asv layers. The sti layer is exactly the same as that in the STI framework, while the asv layer is a new layer sliced off from the ASV framework parallel to the (112) plane. The takeout scheme of the layer is discussed on the basis of a composite building unit D4R-/au-D4R. PKU-20 possesses a two-dimensional channel system, where the 10-ring channels parallel to the [010] direction are intercrossed by 12-ring pockets along the [101] direction.