Nanosized octadecasil crystals with tunable size and variable Si/Al ratio have been synthesized by controlled desilication of the parent clathrasil in alkaline medium. Extremely small (10-25 nm) nanocrystals with high external surface area (200 m2 g-1) and preserved crystallinity were attained (see picture). This result widens the scope of this class of materials, opening room for catalytic applications.

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