Synthesis and characterization of Y zeolites from alternative silicon and aluminium sources

The synthesis of zeolites from alternative sources of silicon and aluminium are promising routes to obtaining zeolitic materials. Such materials are typically applied in catalytic and adsorptive processes, to obtain new products and at separation and purification processes. In order to obtain a material with environmentally friendly features, this research was focused on the study of an effective and viable route for the synthesis of Y zeolite from different sources of silicon and aluminium. In this research two types of metakaolin were used: metakaolin residue (MKR) and metakaolin (MK). An experimental design was carried out as a tool to evaluate the effects of time and temperature parameters and they influence on the crystallization of zeolites with analytical reagents. The raw materials and the products obtained were characterized by a series of techniques: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), BET surface area analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results obtained from the analysis and characterization showed that the route developed through hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of Y zeolite is significantly efficient. The synthesized zeolites were compared with a commercial zeolite and yielded promising results, thus proving the efficiency of the proposed method. As a result of the experimental planning, time was verified to be a key factor in the crystallinity of the zeolitic material.