Synthesis of zeolite W from alkali fusion activated K‐feldspar by gel‐like‐solid phase method

Abstract

AbstractZeolite W with the spindle morphology has been rapidly synthesized from alkali fusion activated K‐feldspar via gel‐like‐solid phase method after supplementing a small amount of silica‐aluminum xerogel. The effects of n(H2O)/n (SiO2), m (activation product)/m (xerogel), and crystallization time on the synthesis of zeolite W were investigated. The optimal synthesis conditions were m (activation product)/m (xerogel) of 3.92, n(H2O)/n (SiO2) of 25.8, and crystallization time of 12 h. The synthesized zeolite W was used to extract K+ ion from the simulated seawater. The synthesized zeolite W with the fluffier spindle morphology exhibited a higher K+ extraction capacity. The maximum exchange capacity of zeolite W for K+ ion reached 49.57 mg·g−1. The zeolite W synthesized by the gel‐like‐solid phase method possessed a superior K+ extraction capacity than that synthesized by the hydrothermal method when K‐feldspar was used as the raw material and an approximate K+ extraction capacity with that synthesized from chemical reagents. In addition, the recycling process of the mother liquor was designed. This work provides an effective way for the zeolite W synthesis and the resource utilization of K‐feldspar with advantages of high raw material utilization, low water content in the synthesis system, short crystallization time, and recyclable mother liquor after synthesis of zeolite W.