Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolite A from Aloji Kaolin Via Hydrothermal Method

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of Zeolite A from Aloji kaolin via the hydrothermal method. The effect of short crystallization times (0.5h, 1h, 1.5h, 2h, and 3h) and high crystallization temperature of 115 ̊C on the formation of Zeolite A as the final product was investigated.  The characterization of the synthesized Zeolite A was conducted using a Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer- Emmett- Teller (BET) analysis. The results showed a well-developed Zeolite A with cubic morphology and a crystallinity of 78.12%, as well as a surface area and pore size of 18.8832 m²/g and 178.461 Å respectively was successfully synthesized using high alkali concentration (5 mol/L) and a crystallization time of 3h. The properties of synthesized zeolite A were found to similar when compared to International Zeolite Association (IZA) standard for commercial zeolite A. The synthesized zeolite is an eco-friendly, renewable, inexpensive and highly efficient for water treatment and adsorption where high surface area and pore volume favors the removal of heavy metals and gases. Thus, the utilization of kaolin for zeolite synthesis will further enhance in exploring sustainable raw materials with the intent of reducing synthesis cost and pollution.