| abstract |
A process for the preparation of a columnar, layered crystalline oxide is described, which process comprises: (i) producing a zeolite reaction mixture and effecting the crystallization of the mixture; (ii) intercepting the crystalline product obtained in step (i) in, or converting it to, an intermediate state where the product contains a stratified crystalline oxide capable of swelling; (iii) contacting the swellable layered crystal oxide of step (ii) with a blowing agent to produce a swollen layered crystal oxide; (iv) forming a column of the swollen crystalline oxide using a column-forming agent to introduce an interspathic oxidized material between the layers of the swollen layered crystal oxide; and (v) calcining the columnar crystalline oxide. |