Low-dose high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) is a useful technique for elucidating the structure of zeolites. In recent years a number of zeolite structures have been solved using combinations of different characterization techniques including adsorption measurements, powder x-ray diffraction and low-dose high resolution electron microscopy (for example see ref. 2). We have used these techniques to study the structure of a novel zeolite material. However, great care must be exercised when interpreting data from these techniques in terms of crystal structural units. In this particular case, the structure was recently determined using single crystal x-ray diffraction and showed some surprises.

Details of the synthesis of this zeolite are given elsewhere. The high adsorption capacity suggested that this zeolite possessed two interpenetrating channels (either a 10 and a 12 ring or two 12 ring channels). X-ray powder diffraction showed the material to be monoclinic with a= 18.5Å, b= 13.4 Å, c= 7.6 Å β = 101.5°).