Synthesizing of Zeolite Particle Using Alkaline Plant Extract

Abstract

The study explored the hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite using kaolin clay precursor in the presence of three different solvents namely, garlic extract, watermelon extract and 2M NaOH solution, with the view of testing their efficacy and potency for green synthesis. Before the zeolitization, the kaolin precursor was activated at a temperature of 850°C to produce metakaolin. The crystallization was achieved in an oven at a temperature of 90°C for 12 hours. The final product is grounded to a fine powder and subsequently undergo testing and characterization via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FESEM) methods. The purity and grade of the synthesized products vary accordingly with the suitability of the reaction solvent. The synthesized product using a solvent of watermelon plant extract was able to produce zeolite LTA of a good grade. However, the presence of secondary phases informed the effect of the accompanied impurities that might originate from the kaolin precursor or the solvent. The result also portrays the possibility of obtaining a well crystalline zeolite from the Malaysian kaolin without using any structural directing agent or chemical solvents.