# ERI: Towards Extra-Large-Pore Zeolite Catalysis Performance with Multilayer Zeolite Nanosheets

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Texas at Tyler (TX) · $199,850

## Abstract

Producing chemicals and fuels from biomass will help to ensure a sustainable future. Catalysts facilitate the rapid cracking of biomass and highly selective production of valuable chemicals.  They play a vital role in reducing production costs and industrial implementation of sustainable technologies. Zeolites, a widely used class of catalysts in cracking reactions, face limitations due to their sub-nanometer pores.  These pores prevent large biomass derived molecules from accessing the catalytic sites within conventional zeolite crystals. The goal of this research is to develop zeolite-based catalysts with advanced hierarchical structures to improve reaction rates and tune product distributions. The educational objectives are to draw talented students into engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) and to prepare the next generation of the STEM workforce through a combination of comprehensive curriculum and hands-on research experiences. 

The research goal of this project is to develop an effective strategy to synthesize large-lateral-size multilayer MFI zeolite nanosheets with tunable interlayer gaps.  With interlayer gaps of ~1 nm or larger, the zeolite multilayer nanosheets offer excellent acid site accessibility and enable selective molecule removal through the zeolitic channels. They are hypothesized to achieve both high catalytic reaction rates and superior shape selectivity towards desirable small molecules. Catalytic cracking of hexadecane and hydr

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2501827
- **Awardee organization:** University of Texas at Tyler (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** L4XJEPDB3QJ9
- **PI:** Zishu Cao
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $199,850
- **Funds obligated:** $199,850
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/15/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2501827

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2501827, ERI: Towards Extra-Large-Pore Zeolite Catalysis Performance with Multilayer Zeolite Nanosheets. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2501827. Licensed CC0.

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