Pure-phase ferrierite (FER) zeolite has been synthesized in the presence of small amounts of nonionic surfactants, Tween 20 and Tween 80. The input SiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) molar ratio has been varied over a range of 25 to 150. The results confirm that a small amount of pyrrolidine acts as a template and is necessary. The effects of varying concentration of surfactant on ferrierite crystallization and output SiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) molar ratio are reported. The results also show that in the absence of pyrrolidine, ZSM-5 cocrystallized with FER, whereas in the absence of a nonionic surfactant the yield and crystallization of FER are very poor. The XRF analysis shows the changes in SiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) output molar ratios as the surfactant concentration changes. The XRD data show that the samples are fully crystalline and pure. The TG/DTA of the sample shows its structural stability. The scanning electron microscopy results show changes in particle size with varying concentration of nonionic surfactant. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.