Synthesis of zeolite-Y from rice husk silica and food grade aluminum foil using modified hydrothermal method

Abstract

In this investigation, zeolite-Y prepared from rice husk silica (RHS) and food grade aluminum foil using modified hydrothermal method. In this proposed method, rice husk silica was dissolved in sodium hydroxide solution to obtain sodium silicate solution and then small pieces of aluminum foil were directly mixed with silicate solution, producing zeolite precursor in the form of gel. The gel was transferred into PTFE lined autoclave and aged for 24 hours and subsequently subjected to the crystallization process for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours at fixed temperature of 100°C. The solid product was washed with distilled water and dried in an oven at 80°C and calcined at 550°C for 6 hours. Characterization using XRD and SEM confirms the formation of zeolite-Y, and showed that crystallization time influenced both structure and surface morphology of the zeolites quite significantly.