Synthesis of industrially appealing low-silica zeolites using aluminum scraps and sand

Abstract

In this study, Carbon footprint (CF) and hydric footprint (HF) were estimated for the synthesis of zeolite A and X using aluminum cans and sand as sources of aluminum and silicon, respectively. The fuse reagent prepared from sand, at 250 and 500° C, and the filtrated of fuse reagent product were considered as input variables in the experimental design. Aluminum waste, the mixture of aluminum waste treated with sodium hydroxide, and the formed Al(OH)3 were also considered as input parameters for the aluminum sources. Results showed that for obtaining of the fuse reagent based on sand, a temperature as low as 250 °C was sufficient to obtain the desired zeolites A, X and P without increasing the CF or the HF. The type of aluminum source did not display a significant impact on the CF and FH for the synthesis of the targeted zeolites.