Conventional and Green Synthesis Strategies for ZSM-5 Zeolite: A Short Review

Authors

  • Duha .M. Hussein Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Tikrit University, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0764-1494
  • Ghassan .H. Abdul-Razzaq Petroleum Processing Engineering Department, College of Petroleum Process Engineering, Tikrit University, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71229/f8vb2a80

Keywords:

ZSM-5,, MFI zeolite, , hydrothermal synthesis,, green synthesis,, template-free synthesis

Abstract

ZSM-5 is one of the most studied synthetic zeolites because of its unique MFI framework, shape selectivity, tunable acidity, high thermal and hydrothermal stability, and wide catalytic applications. The physicochemical and catalytic properties are strongly influenced by the synthesis conditions such as the composition of the precursors, the Si/Al ratio, the structure-directing agents, the crystallization conditions, and the post-synthesis treatment. This review summarizes the conventional and green synthesis methods of ZSM-5, focusing on the fundamental principles, processing conditions, merits, drawbacks, and sustainability of the synthesis methods. The conventional hydrothermal synthesis is explained with respect to raw materials, structure directing agents, crystallization mechanisms and the main parameters that control the nucleation and crystal growth. The recent advances in more sustainable production are then discussed, such as template-free and solvent-free synthesis, seed-assisted crystallization, dry-gel conversion, mechanochemical processing, ionothermal and microwave-assisted methods, and the use of natural and waste silica and alumina sources. Comparative analysis reveals that conventional hydrothermal synthesis still has advantages in terms of the established processing and controllability, while green approaches have great potential to reduce the consumption of organic-template, solvent, waste, energy consumption, and dependence on high-purity precursors. But, the use of sustainable routes is still limited by issues of phase selectivity, control of crystallization, precursor impurities, reproducibility, and scale-up to industrial level. Future developments will rely on better understanding of crystallization mechanisms, rational control of hierarchical and physicochemical properties, the incorporation of in situ characterization with computational and artificial-intelligence tools, and the development of scalable synthesis processes that will combine high material performance with economic and environmental sustainability.

Author Biography

  • Ghassan .H. Abdul-Razzaq, Petroleum Processing Engineering Department, College of Petroleum Process Engineering, Tikrit University, Iraq.

    Assistant Professor Doctor , Petroleum Processing Engineering Department, College of Petroleum Process Engineering, Tikrit University, Iraq.

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2026-08-22

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Conventional and Green Synthesis Strategies for ZSM-5 Zeolite: A Short Review. (2026). Al-Noor Journal of Engineering Management and Computer Science, 2(3), 388-408. https://doi.org/10.71229/f8vb2a80

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