Investigation of Rapid Synthesis of Zeolite

Abstract

Zeolites are crystalline, microporous aluminosilicates with different pore openings, which with framework T-O-T (T = Si, Al) bonds and channels of molecular dimensions. Crystallization time can be decreased by manipulation and influencing the nucleation and growth characteristic of zeolites. In this study, rapid synthesis of ZSM-5 and Mazzite (Maz) is investigated by manipulating the supersaturation via a dehydration and hydration process. Structural confirmation of the product is obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The nano size of zeolites make possible unique properties and expands the area of zeolite applications towards, e.g., optoelectronics, chemical sensing, and medicine. However, due to the low yield, complicated synthesis process, and long reaction time, nano zeolites are still not widely used. The rapid crystallization of nanofaujasitic zeolite is investigated by using microwave radiation. The microwave parameters are optimized. Also, the microwave synthesis of nano zeolite Y is studied by using the recycled hydrothermal mother solution. The size of the nanofaujasitic zeolite is characterized by using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Structural conformation of the product is obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD).