Synthesis of AEI and Cu-AEI zeolites

1. A method of synthesizing a zeolite comprising the steps of:

a. preparing an admixture containing (i) at least one source of alumina, (ii) at least one source of silica, and (iii) at least one structure directing agent (SDA) in hydroxide form, wherein the admixture is essentially free of alkali metals, wherein the admixture has the following composition:

Ratios

SiO 2 /OH

1-4

SiO 2 /SDA(s)

1-4

H 2 O/SiO 2

10-40

alkali metal/SiO 2

0

Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2

0.02-0.05

and wherein the at least one structure directing agent (SDA) in hydroxide form is N,N-diethyl-2,6-dimethylpiperidinium; and

b. heating the admixture under autogenous pressure at a temperature and with stirring or mixing for a sufficient time to crystalize hydrogen-form zeolite crystals having an AEI framework.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the admixture is essentially free of metal ions, other than aluminum.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of SDA to silica is greater than 0.4:1.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the yield on silica is at least about 50%.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sources of silica and alumina are faujasite zeolites.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the admixture has the following composition:

Ratios

SiO 2 /OH

1.5-2.5

SiO 2 /SDA(s)

1.5-2.5

H 2 O/SiO 2

15-30

alkali metal/SiO 2

0

Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2

 0.025-0.04.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a second SDA.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second SDA is selected from 3,5-DMP, trimethyl cyclohexylammonium (TMCHA), tetraethylammonium (TEA), Dimethyldipropylammonium (DMDPA), tetrapropylammonium (TPA), tetraethylphosphonium (TEP).

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second SDA is N,N-Dimethyl-3,5-dimethylpiperidinium.