ZSM-5 is one of the most well-known zeolites. It has been synthesized for many different applications, including as catalyst for catalytic reactions and as a membrane in separation processes.  The main goal of this thesis is to investigate and characterize the defects in crystal and film growth of ZSM-5 for modification purposes.

Primarily, ZSM-5 crystals with carefully controlled thickness were synthesized in fluoride and hydroxide media. These synthesized catalysts were then characterized and the two synthesis routes were compared with each other in terms of stability. Then, in the synthesized catalysts, the role of defects during reaction was investigated. Furthermore, the growth of ZSM-5 nanocrystals and subsequent film formation was investigated to better understand how particles formed in synthesis solution (a hydrolyzed mixture of H₂O-TEOS-TPAOH), followed by how these crystals interact to form a zeolite film. Finally, pre- and post-production modification of ZSM-5 and PHI membranes was investigated. Since, the roughness surface of the support could play a crucial role in having an even film, it was done as a pre-treatment technique for membrane synthesis. Additionally, a technique was developed in an attempt to plug the defects of grain boundaries to increase the membrane performance.