LAUSR

Peptides are among the most efficient classes of crystal growth modifiers for a wide range of natural and synthetic systems owing to their unmatched design space that affords the opportunity to construct highly specific sequences to tailor crystal growth. In the case of zeolite crystallization, the high pH and temperature of common synthesis conditions renders peptides ineffective for such applications. Here, we introduce peptoids as a biomimetic platform for the rational design of zeolite growth modifiers. The chemical robustness of peptoids coupled with their facile and efficient synthesis on solid support, which enables the generation of versatile sequences with diverse chemical functionality, make these materials ideal for the relatively harsh conditions of zeolite crystallization. A library of peptoids incorporating combinations of alcohol, amine, ether, and aromatic functional moieties were synthesized and tested in growth solutions of zeolite L (LTL type), a common commercial material. Our findings...