Smallâpore zeolites such as chabazite (CHA) are excellent candidates for the selective separation of CO2; however, the current synthesis involves several steps and the use of organic structureâdirecting agent (OSDA), increasing their cost and energy requirements. We report the synthesis of smallâpore zeolite crystals (aluminosilicate) with CHAâtype framework structure by direct synthesis in a colloidal suspension containing a mixture of inorganic cations only (Na+, K+, and Cs+). The location of CO2 molecules in the host structure was revealed by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED). The high sorption capacity for CO2 (3.8â
mmolâgâ1 at 121â
kPa), structural stability and regenerability of the discreate CHA zeolite nanocrystals is maintained for 10 consecutive cycles without any visible degradation. The CHA zeolite (Si:Al=2) reaches an almost perfect CO2 storage capacity (8 CO2 per unit cell) and high selectivity (no CH4 was adsorbed).