The synthesis of zeolites from local resources has been an attractive route to address the demand for more economical means in the production of zeolites for commercial applications. In particular, Philippine bentonite – a local clay material –has been used as a raw ingredient to synthesize zeolites, faujasite-type (FAU), and analcime-type (ANA) via hydrothermal synthesis. The silicon-aluminum ratio (SAR) and crystallization temperature were varied to investigate the conditions in the synthesis of pure FAU and ANA-type zeolites. X-ray diffraction allowed the identification of zeolite phases upon comparison to reference patterns from the International Zeolite Association database. The sample with the highest degree of crystallinity of 98% (ANA-type) was prepared at a temperature of 150 °C and an initial SAR of 1.18. This sample also exhibited the largest particle size of 29.1 μm in diameter. Scanning electron micrographs showed octahedral, spherical, and cross morphologies of the products, with average particle size ranging from 1.24 (± 0.13) to 29.1 (± 1.66) μm. The transformation of Philippine bentonite to different types of zeolites demonstrates the viability of local clays as raw resource material for hydrothermal synthesis of a wide range of zeolite frameworks.
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