Three-day colloquium with talks and poster sessions

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)”   in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of its founding.

This global initiative aims to promote widespread knowledge of quantum mechanics and its applications in the world around us. CNyN-UNAM has formed an active research group engaged in theoretical and experimental studies of zeolite properties and the development of promising materials based on them. A striking number of amazing properties of such materials are used in catalysis, photocatalysis, sensors, as well as substances with antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

The reason for such wide application is very simple: zeolite matrices with nanoscale voids are inherently designed to create materials with quantum properties.

Quantum chemical methods can be applied in zeolite science. These include traditional ab initio methods and methods based on density functional theory. Periodic, cluster, and combined models are also used to study various properties. However:

The most interesting application is the use of zeolites as carrier matrices for ultra-small (<1 nm) quantum dots (QDs).

These QDs do not contain ligands and all have uniform sub-nanometer sizes because the zeolite nanopores act as nanoforms or nanotemplates for their creation. Due to the crystalline structure of zeolites, they are organized into regular arrays and stabilized for long periods of time. The production and properties of quantum dots in zeolites, their characterization and application are very promising areas of research in modern science.

The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at UNAM is proud to organize this event dedicated to studying preparation methods, analyzing the properties of the resulting materials, and searching for promising areas of application.

The colloquium will bring together leading experts and visionaries in this field to share knowledge and experience on the whole range of issues related to the quantum approach to zeolites and hierarchical micro-mesoporous materials. It will also serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and discussing the results obtained, allowing for an analysis of the potential of this research in such diverse fields as catalysis and photocatalysis, nanobiotechnology, sensor development, medical applications, and other emerging areas of nanoengineering. The colloquium is intended for researchers, students, and graduate students to inform them about the current state of affairs, prospects, and opportunities in this field of research. We are preparing to hold a session focused on students to answer their questions. All interested parties are invited to participate in this colloquium, which will take place from November 19 to 21 this year.

Topics of interest of this colloquium are, but not limited to:

1. Electron behavior and bonding in the zeolite structure

2. Quantization of energy levels affecting optical properties

3. Quantum confinement in nanopores

4. Quantum mechanical aspects of catalysis

5. Magnetic properties due to transition metal ions

6. Proton conductivity involving quantum tunneling 

7. Quantum effects in adsorption and diffusion, especially for light atoms

8. Quantum mechanical interpretation of spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, Raman)

9. Photochemical processes in photocatalytic applications

10. Quantum-Resolved Dynamics in Operando Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy for Zeolites

11. Quantum Effects of Hierarchical Porosity on Zeolite Catalysis

12. Quantum Mechanisms Governing Lewis Acid Sites in Zeolites

13. Quantum Interpretation of Extra-Framework Species in Zeolite Catalysis

14. Quantum Mimicry: Enzyme-Mimetic Zeolites and Their Catalytic Mechanisms

15. Quantum Effects of Water in Zeolite-Catalyzed Reactions

16. Quantum-Controlled Synthesis of Zeolite Catalysts: Tuning Atomic Interactions for Enhanced Performance

17. Molecular Simulations and Quantum Dynamics in Tuning Zeolite Catalyst Selectivity

18. Quantum Charge Density Redistribution in Zeolite Frameworks: Implications for Catalysis

19. Quantum Phenomena in Zeolite Architectures: From Charge Dynamics to Functionality

20. Exploring Quantum Confinement and Electronic Structure in Zeolitic Materials

21. Zeolites at the Quantum Frontier: Structure, Dynamics and Reactivity

22. Quantum-Level Control of Functionality in Zeolites: Towards Tunable Materials

23. Nanoscale Quantum Effects in Zeolite-Based Systems: Bridging Theory and Experiment

24. Electronic Redistribution and Quantum States in Zeolites: Implications and Applications

25. And any other quantum effect presented in zeolites

This is an online event.

This is a free event. There are no fees for partipating or presenting your work at this conference.

To connect on the day of the event, you must register at the following Zoom link:

Link to zoom meeting 

A certificate of participation will be given to attendees and speakers.

Accepted works are eligible for publication as part of the edited book of proceedings: "Quantum advances of zeolites." This book will be published by SpringerNature.

Colloquium program

Deadline for registration and abstract submission: October 15, 2025

Let us know if you'll be attending!