Nanosized zeolites have attracted considerable scientific interest over the past two decades because of their unique physicochemical properties and broad potential in catalysis, membranes, sensing, imaging, photonics, electronics and other emerging technologies. Reducing zeolite crystal dimensions from the micrometer to the nanometer scale can profoundly influence crystallization, surface properties, mass transport and interfacial phenomena, thereby opening new possibilities for the rational design of zeolitic materials with enhanced functionalities. This presentation highlights advances in the rational synthesis of nanosized and hierarchical zeolites with controlled crystal size, morphology, crystallinity, stability and hierarchical porosity. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative and sustainable approaches, including the direct transformation of natural resources into synthetic zeolites, template-free low-temperature synthesis, seeded growth, multistep synthesis, microwave-assisted and ionothermal crystallization. Furthermore, microwave and ultrasound irradiation to accelerate crystallization while reducing energy consumption and synthesis time is demonstrated. Sustainable and potentially cost-effective synthesis routes will also be discussed, including the valorization of waste biomass ash as an alternative silica source for zeolite production under relatively mild conditions, contributing to resource efficiency while minimizing undesirable waste streams. Finally, the relationship between zeolite architecture and function is highlighted, with particular attention to opportunities in green and fine chemical synthesis, catalysis, medicine, pharmaceutical and food applications, and nanotechnology. 

Dr. Eng-Poh Ng received his BSc. (Ind. Chem.) degree in 2004 from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He obtained his MSc. (Chem.) degree in 2006 and under the supervision of Datuk Prof. Dr. Halimaton Hamdan. Then, he received his PhD degree in 2009 from University of Upper Alsace, France under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Svetlana Mintova. He joined Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2010 as a Senior Lecturer before being promoted to Associate Professor in 2016. Currently, he has published more than 170 indexed journals including top-tier Q1/Q2 journals like Science, Chemistry of Materials, Green Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Journal, etc. His current H-index is 53 with a total citation of 9100. He is one of the World's Top 2% Scientists in his research field listed by Stanford University. He was also crowned with many prestigious academic and research awards, such as Top Research Scientist Malaysia, National Akademic Award, IKM Outstanding Young Chemist, VIRA Outstanding Young Scientist, Breakthrough of the Year 2011 (Runner-up), Innovation Awards and many more. His main research interests are synthesis, investigation and application of nanoporous silica-based materials for adsorption, catalysis and other advanced applications.