Synthesis of Zeolite A, X and P from a South African Coal Fly Ash

Abstract

Synthesis conditions for generating high quality zeolite type Na-P1, A, and X from a South African coal fly ash were identified in this study. XRF, XRD, FTIR and SEM analytical techniques were used to characterize the starting fly ash feedstock and the resulting synthesis product. Synthesis of these high quality zeolites types is expected to provide a competitive alternative for recycling the ever increasing quantity of fly ash produced in the South African coal-fired power plants. This approach will not only be environment friendly but could also be attractive from an economic point of view since the cost of disposal of fly ash could be offset by the income generated from the sale of the synthesized zeolitic materials.