Ruren Xu, Chinese inorganic chemist (Shangyu, Zhejiang Province 16 March 1932 –

Internationally recognized expert in zeolites and related micro/nanoporous materials

Published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers and 10 books

With J.M. Thomas designed and prepared a range of novel single-site solid catalysts that opened up new routes for the production of important chemicals and pharmaceuticals

First to synthesize 6 series of new microporous crystals

Developed a hydrothermal synthetic route for high purity homogenous inorganic substances

Developed a series of molecular sieve liquid phase directing agents

Opened up a synthetic route for chain-like, layer-like and framework-like inorganic compounds with special structure in organic systems

With J.M. Thomas synthesized JDF-L1, the first synthetic material containing five-coordinate titanium in the pyramidal square

First to explore the solvothermal synthesis of aluminophosphates (1990s)

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS

With D. Wang, R.B. Yu, Y.H. Xu, S.H. Feng et al. The first organically templated layered cerium phosphate-hydrogen sulfate. Chem. Lett. 31(11), 2002

With H. Yuan, J. Chen, Z. Shi, W. Chen, Y. Wang, P. Zhang & J. Yu. Synthesis and structural characterization of a new layered aluminophosphate. J. Chem. Soc. Dalton Trans. p.1981-4, 2001

With K. Wang, J. Yu, Z. Shi, P. Miao & W. Yan. Synthesis and characterization of a new three-dimensional aluminophosphate with an AI/P ratio of 11/12. J. Chem. Soc. Dalton Trans. p.1809-12, 2001

With H. Yuan, G. Zhu, J. Chen. W. Chen & G.D. Yan. Dual function of racemic 2-propanolamine as solvent and as template for the synthesis of a new layered aluminophosphate. J. Solid State Chem. 151:145-9, 2000

With J.Yu, J. Li, K. Sugiyama, N. Togashi, O. Terasaki, K. Hiraga, W. Yan & S. Qiu. Formation of a new layered alumino-phosphate. Chem. Mater. 11:1727-32, 1999

With J. Yu, K. Sugiyama, S. Zheng, S. Qiu, J. Chen, Y. Sakamoto, O. Terasaski, K. Hiraga, M. Light, M.B. Hurst & J.M. Thomas. A new microporous aluminophosphate containing intersecting 12- and 8-membered ring channels. Chem. Mater. 10:1028-11, 1998

With Q. Gao, J. Chen & Y. Yue. Synthesis and characterization of a family of amine-intercalated lamellar aluminophosphates from alcoholic system. Chem. Mater. 9:457-62, 1997

With Y.L. An, S.H. Feng, Y. H. Xu & Y. Yue. Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of a new potassium phosphatoantimonate. J. Materials Res. 9(11):2745-6, 1994

With J.M. Thomas, R.H. Jones, J. Chen, A.M. Chippindale, S. Natarajan & A.K. Cheetham. A novel porous sheet aluminophosphate. J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Comm. P929-31, 1992

With Q.S.Huo, S.G. Li, Z.G. Ma, J.M. Thomas, R.H. Jones & A.M. Chippindale. Synthesis and characterization of a novel extra large ring of aluminophosphate JDF20. J. Chem. Soc. 12 (1992)

With L. Li, L.X. Wu & J.S. Chen. Structure of a novel aluminoarsenate with an occluded (CH₃)₄N⁺ cation. Acta Cryst. C47:246-9, 1991

With R.H. Jones, J.M. Thomas, Q. Huo, A.K. Cheetham & A.V.J. Powell. Synthesis and structure of a novel aluminium phosphate anion. J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Comm. p.1266-8, 1991