Characteristics and catalytic activity of zeolite-a synthesized from rice husk silica and aluminium metal by sol-gel method

Abstract

In this research, sol-gel process was applied to synthesize zeolite-A from rice husk silica and aluminum metal. For preparation of the zeolite, the specified amount of rice husk silica and aluminum metal was separately dissolved in NaOH solution, and both solutions were transfered in to a laboratory mixture for complete mixing and production of gel. The gel was converted into solid zeolite precursor by oven drying of the gel for 24 hours. The precursor was transformed into zeolite by subjecting to different calcination temperatures, and then characterized using different techniques. The zeolites were also tested as catalyst for transesterification of Ricinius communis oil. Development of structure of the zeolite was confirmed using FTIR and XRD techniques analyses, while SEM analysis revealed the characteristic of the samples as porous and multiphasic materials. The zeolites were found to exhibit good catalytic activity as revealed by the results of transesterification of Ricinius communis oil. Appreciable catalytic activities were also demonstrated by the reaction yields achieved which are in the range of 68 to 82%.