Zeolite Phase Research Articles

High-throughput phase elucidation of polycrystalline materials using serial rotation electron diffraction

Rapid phase elucidation of polycrystalline materials is essential for developing new materials of chemical, pharmaceutical and industrial interest. Yet, the size and quantity of many crystalline phases are too small for routine X-ray diffraction analysis. This has become a workflow bottleneck in materials development, especially in high-throughput synthesis screening. Here we demonstrate the application of serial rotation electron diffraction (SerialRED) for high-throughput phase identification of complex polycrystalline zeolite products. The products were prepared from a combination of multiple framework T atoms ([Si,Ge,Al] or [Si,Ge,B]) and a simple organic structure-directing agent. We show that using SerialRED, five zeolite phases can be identified from a highly complex mixture. This includes phases with ultra-low contents undetectable using X-ray diffraction and phases with identical crystal morphology and similar unit cell parameters. By automatically and rapidly examining hundreds of crystals, SerialRED enables high-throughput phase analysis and allows the exploration of complex synthesis systems. It provides new opportunities for rapid development of polycrystalline materials.

Mechanistic insight into low temperature SCR by ceria–manganese mixed oxides incorporated into zeolites

The low temperature activity of zeolite-based SCR catalysts can be improved through incorporation of a metal oxide. The metal oxide catalyzes NO oxidation and prevents NH4NO3 deposits, while the zeolite phase provides NH3 adsorption sites.

Potentiality of the porous geopolymer sphere in adsorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions: Behaviors and mechanisms

In this study, a porous geopolymer sphere (PGS) was developed that comprised a mixture of coal gasification fly ash, steel slag, metakaolin and an alkaline activator (SiO 2 /Na 2 O molar ratio = 1.33) (44.89 wt%, 20.10 wt%, 2.01 wt% and 33 wt%) using an 8.5 wt% hydrogen peroxide foaming agent. The micro characteristics of the PGS were tested using X-ray CT, BET, XRD, and FT-TR. The mechanism to Pb adsorption was revealed via adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and adsorbent characterization. Results indicated that the PGS was a mesoporous structure (the most accessible pore sizes was 9.31 nm) and the main crystalline phases in the PGS were ZK-5 zeolite, vaterite, calcium silicate, and wustite. Batch experiments showed that the adsorption of Pb by the PGS was best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption process was dominated by chemical adsorption. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity of the PGS could reach 59.31 mg/g. The mechanism of Pb(II) adsorption using the PGS mainly involves: (1) ion exchange, (2) a complexation reaction between Pb and the PGS, (3) lattice immobilization of Pb and in the ZK-5 zeolite and zeolite-like phase, (4) physical adsorption by the PGS.

2-Isopropyl-1,3-dimethylimidazolium as a versatile structure-directing agent in the synthesis of zeolites.

An organic cation lacking specificity in its structure-directing action offers the possibility, through the screening of other structure-directing parameters, to synthesize a variety of zeolites. In this work we show that the organic structure-directing agent 2-isopropyl-1,3-dimethylimidazolium (2iPr13DMI) can produce up to seven different zeolite phases depending on water concentration, the presence of inorganic impurities, crystallization temperature and time, and germanium molar fraction. The obtained phases are very different in terms of pore system, connectivity of the zeolite structure and structural units. At the pure SiO2 side, ZSM-12 and SSZ-35 dominate, with ZSM-12 being favored by the presence of potassium impurities and by less concentrated conditions. The introduction of Ge at low levels favors SSZ-35 over ZSM-12 and as the Ge fraction increases it successively affords CSV, -CLO and two distinct UOS zeolites, HPM-11 and HPM-6. These two zeolites have the same topology but distinct chemical compositions and display powder X-ray diffraction patterns that are much different from each other and from that of as-synthesized IM-16 (UOS reference material). They also show different symmetry at 96 K. Rietveld refinements of the three as-made UOS materials mentioned are provided. HPM-6 and HPM-11 are produced in distinct, non-adjacent crystallization fields. The frequent cocrystallization of the chiral STW zeolite, however, did not afford its synthesis as a pure phase. Molecular mechanics simulations of the location of the organic cation and host-guest interactions fail to explain the observed trends, but also considering the intrinsic stability of the zeolites and the effect of germanium help to rationalize the results. The study is completed by DFT calculations of the NMR chemical shifts of 13C in UOS (helping to understand splittings in the spectrum) and 19F in CSV (supporting the location of fluoride inside the new [4452], which is an incomplete double 4-ring).

Chloride resistance of class C/class F fly ash-based geopolymer mortars with different strength grades

Chloride resistance is important for the durability of geopolymers used in construction applications, particularly in coastal and saline areas. In this study, the workability, mechanical performance, and chloride resistance of class C/class F fly ash-based geopolymer mortars were investigated. First, the effects of the water-to-fly ash ratio, class C fly ash content, and sand-to-ash ratio, on the fluidity, and mechanical properties of the geopolymers were examined. Second, based on the results, geopolymer mortars with three different strength grades were chosen for chloride resistance tests. After these were subjected to a NaCl solution, their weight change, ultrasonic flight-time, and compressive strength were determined. Moreover, corrosion products were evaluated by conducting microstructural analysis. The results indicated that a high class C fly ash content, small water-to-fly ash ratio, and small sand-to-ash ratio led to low fluidity and a high compressive strength of the specimens. The ultrasonic flight-time and the pore structures of the geopolymers were strongly related. Furthermore, after corrosion, the hydration products appeared as new crystalline zeolite phases in the low-strength samples. Compared with the high- and medium- strength mortars, the low-strength samples showed excellent chloride resistance.

Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Mechanistic Studies on the Effect of the Preparation Method on the Catalytic Activity of Synthetic Zeolite-A during the Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil

Egyptian kaolinite was applied in the synthesis of zeolite-A by conventional hydrothermal and alkali fusion methods, resulting in two forms of zeolite-A: the hydrated phase (H.ZA) and the dehydrated phase (DH.ZA). The DH.ZA phase exhibits an enhanced surface area (488 m2/g), total basicity (7.73 mmol OH/g), high sodium content (20.2%), and a narrow particle size distribution (5 to 25 µm) as compared to the H.ZA phase (423 m2/g surface area, 5.88 mmol OH/g total basicity, 13.3% sodium content, and 10 to 45 µm particle size distribution). DH.ZA exhibits enhanced catalytic activity, achieving a biodiesel yield of 96.8% after 60 min at 60 °C, while the application of H.ZA resulted in a 95.8% yield after 120 min at 80 °C. The controlled transesterification mechanism in the presence of H.ZA and DH.ZA involved robust base-catalyzed reactions. The reactions follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the rate constants (Kc) were determined at three different temperature values (40, 50 and 60 °C). The activation energies using H.ZA (35.9 kJ·mol−1) and DH.ZA (32.714 kJ·mol−1) demonstrates their efficiencies in mild conditions. The thermodynamic parameters of enthalpy (33.23 kJ·mol−1 (H.ZA) and 30.03 kJ·mol−1 (DH.ZA)), Gibb’s free energy (65.164 kJ·mol−1 (H.ZA) and 65.268 kJ·mol−1 (DH.ZA)), and entropy (−195.59 J·K−1·mol−1 (H.ZA) and −195.91 J·K−1·mol−1 (DH.ZA)) demonstrate the spontaneous and endothermic behaviours of these reactions. The obtained biodiesel matches the physical properties of the international standards, and the recyclability properties of the two zeolite phases demonstrate their suitability for commercial-scale applications.

Potassium supported on zeolite-geopolymer hybrid materials as a new solid base catalyst for transesterification of soybean oil

The heterogeneous base catalysts were developed from zeolite-geopolymer hybrid material (Zeo-Geo) as a new support for potassium in transesterification of soybean oil. Zeo-Geo was prepared by mixing Al metal, metakaolin, and fumed silica in NaOH solution and curing at 60 °C, 24 h and 110 °C, 12 h. The Zeo-Geo contained a mixed phase of geopolymer and X-type zeolite. The xK/Zeo-Geo with x = 5, 10 or 15 wt% potassium were prepared by impregnation of Zeo-Geo with potassium acetate followed by calcination at 400 °C for 3 h. The phases of potassium were mainly K2O and K2CO3 and the basicity increased with potassium loading. The 15K/Zeo-Geo was the most active catalyst in transesterification of soybean oil with methanol, at 70 °C providing 97.64% biodiesel yield under the optimum condition: reaction time = 3 h, methanol to oil molar ratio = 16:1 and catalyst amount = 2 wt%. The catalyst was reused in 5 cycles without a significant activity loss and leaching of active species. From this study, 15K/Zeo-Geo has a potential for further development in large-scale production.

Sodium aluminate activated geopolymers based on natural zeolite clinoptilolite

Geopolymers based on natural zeolite clinoptilolite were activated with different concentration of sodium aluminate and potassium hydroxide and the influence on compressive strength, density and water absorption were evaluated. The microstructure was analyzed by XRD, FTIR and SEM. The obtained geopolymers are comprised of newly formed zeolite phases – phillipsite, zeolite A.

Structural Aspects Affecting Phase Selection in Inorganic Zeolite Synthesis.

A guideline for zeolite phase selection in inorganic synthesis media is proposed, based on a systematic exploration of synthesis from inorganic media using liquid Na+, K+, and Cs+ aluminosilicate. Although the Si/Al ratio of the zeolites is a continuous function of the synthesis conditions, boundaries between topologies are sharp. The here-derived phase selection criterion relates the obtained zeolite topology to the Si/Al ratio imposed by the synthesis medium. For a given Si/Al ratio, the framework with the highest occupation of topologically available cation sites is favored. The large number of published zeolite syntheses supporting the observation provides strong indication that the concept is applicable in a larger context. The proposed criterion explains how minor variations in the composition of inorganic synthesis media induce the commonly occurring, abrupt changes in topology. It highlights underlying reasons causing the strict demarcation of stability fields of the as-synthesized zeolites experimentally observed in inorganic synthesis.

Preparation of Shaped Binder‐Free SSZ‐13 Zeolite and Its Application in CO2 Adsorption and Catalysis

AbstractSSZ‐13, small‐pore zeolite with chabazite (CHA) topology, exhibits outstanding performance in gas adsorption‐separation and catalysis. However, most of the studies on SSZ‐13 zeolite are limited to the powder form. In practical application, the SSZ‐13 zeolite should be shaped with a certain amount of inert binder into technical form resulting in reduced performance. Herein, shaped binder‐free SSZ‐13 zeolite was prepared by treating the extruded SSZ‐13/SiO2 sample with amantadine solution under hydrothermal conditions, to crystallize the SiO2 binder into the zeolite phase. The characterization and DFT calculation results point out that the recrystallization of SiO2 binder in shaped SSZ‐13 into zeolite crystal could improve the physical and chemical properties. Enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and catalysis performance in CO2‐assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane and propane were also found on the shaped binder‐free SSZ‐13 zeolite.

In Situ Synthesis of Zeolites in Solidified Fly Ash/Cement Matrices with High Na Content: Products, Pore Structure, and Leaching Behavior

Due to its high retention capacity and well durability, fly ash-based geopolymers rich of zeolites are considered to be potential solidified materials for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste stream. This study mainly focused on the phase transformation, pore structure, and leaching characteristic of Sr2+ and Cs+ in solidified fly ash/cement matrices under different sodium hydroxide contents or sodium nitrate concentrations after thermal curing of 28 d. The results obtained from the experiments indicated that the geopolymers prepared from pure fly ash had the potential to transform into ordered structures at high temperatures of 90°C instead of room temperature, such as Na-P1 zeolite and chabazite. With the increase in sodium hydroxide contents, more sodium nitrate participated in the reaction to form a zeolite phase in solidified fly ash/cement matrices, while the coexistence phenomenon of chabazite and Na-P1 zeolite appeared under the condition of high sodium hydroxide contents of more than 5%. Just a proper number of zeolites can effectively inhibit the leaching of radionuclides Sr2+, as too many zeolites would lead to the increase in porosity, which was harmful to the retention of radionuclides. Solidified fly ash/cement matrices at a sodium hydroxide content of 5% or at a sodium nitrate concentration of 300 g/L obtained the lowest cumulative leaching fraction of Sr2+. Moreover, sodium hydroxide increased the cumulative leaching fraction of Cs+ which reversely decreased significantly with the increase in sodium nitrate concentrations.

Advanced Dye Sorbents from Combined Stereolithography 3D Printing and Alkali Activation of Pharmaceutical Glass Waste.

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies enable the fabrication of objects with complex geometries in much simpler ways than conventional shaping methods. With the fabrication of recyclable filters for contaminated waters, the present work aims at exploiting such features as an opportunity to reuse glass from discarded pharmaceutical containers. Masked stereolithography-printed scaffolds were first heat-treated at relatively low temperatures (680 and 730 °C for 1 h) and then functionalized by alkali activation, with the formation of zeolite and sodium carbonate phases, which worked as additional adsorbing centers. As-sintered and activated scaffolds were characterized in terms of the efficiency of filtration and removal of methylene blue, used as a reference dye. The adsorption efficiency of activated printed glass was 81%. The 3D-printed adsorbent can be easily separated from the solution for reuse.

Correlation between porous structure analysis, mechanical efficiency and gamma-ray attenuation power for hydrothermally treated slag-glass waste-based geopolymer

The main objective of this work is to compare conventional Portland cement pastes (OPC) and alkali-activated geopolymer pastes in terms of compressive strength, phase composition, micro-porosity, and attenuation ability against harmful gamma irradiation. OPC pastes were cured at 20 °C in tap water for up to 28 days, while geopolymer pastes were prepared by recycling two different industrial byproducts. Equal masses of slag (GGBFS) and recycled glass powder (RGP) were activated by two concentrations of NaOH (5% and 10% mass of total binders). The obtained geopolymer pastes were treated in different manners; some pastes were treated in high humidity at 20 °C and 80 °C for 28 days, while other pastes were cured in an autoclave for different time intervals (2, 4, 8 and 12 hrs) and different steam pressures (4, 6 and 8 bar). A Gamma attenuation capacity test was performed to determine the linear attenuation coefficient (µ) for some selected hardened pastes. Two sources of gamma-ray were used (137Cs/661.6Kev &60Co/1332.5Kev). To correlate mechanical performance and attenuation behavior, the N2-adsorption/desorption technique was conducted to analyze the micro-porosity. The results indicated GGBFS-RGP geopolymer pastes activated by 5 wt% NaOH and thermally hydrated at 4bars for 8hrs possessed the highest compressive strength (86 MPa), highest attenuation ability (µ = 0.156 and 0.126 cm−1), highest BET "Brunauer-Emmett-Teller model" surface area (10048 cm2/g) and minimum BJH "Barrett-Joyner-Halenda model"-average pore diameter (23.6 nm) as compared with OPC pastes and other all geopolymer pastes. After the autoclaving process, calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-Hs), calcium-alumino-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-Hs), calcium-alumino-hydrate (C-A-Hs), sodium-alumino-silicate-hydrate (N-A-S-Hs) and hexagonal zeolite phase has been achieved via X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX).

Possible formation pathways for zeolites in closed-basin lakes on noachian Mars: Insights from geochemical modeling

Zeolites are among the most common and widespread authigenic silicate minerals found in saline-alkaline paleolacustrine environments on Earth. Analcime, a Na-zeolite, has been detected on crustal outcrops on Mars using orbital spectral image data. Identifying other zeolite species is complicated by the lack of diagnostic absorption features in spectral data and spectral similarity to some polyhydrated sulfates. Therefore, analcime is the only zeolite species so far unambiguously identified as present on Mars. The presence of certain zeolite mineral species or assemblages in a closed basin paleolake can be used to track hydrological changes in that basin. This paper discusses the application of geochemical modeling to identify zeolite phases that could have formed in closed lake basins of late Noachian Mars. The composition of the high-silica Buckskin sample from Gale crater is used as a starting material because 1) most zeolite-rich assemblages in closed hydrologic systems on Earth originate from the decomposition of high-silica volcanic glass, and 2) geochemical modeling studies are already available for the more common lower silica basalts on Mars. This study, along with previous studies involving basaltic starting materials, allow a comparison between terrestrial and Martian data and an exploration of the differences in secondary mineral precipitation with substrates of different silica contents. The EQ3/6 geochemical modeling code was adopted, and Late Noachian Mars was assumed to be warm and semi-arid, with an atmosphere with 1.3 bars of PCO2 and current Mars PO2 (14.7 μbar). The Buckskin sample was reacted with three different starting solutions including two different rainfall chemistries and an acidic H2SO4 − HCl solution, which could have formed through volcanic degassing. The mineral formation and re-dissolution patterns under different Water/Rock (W/R) ratios are also explored.The results show that near neutral and acidic solutions in closed-basin lakes filled with high-silica volcaniclastic materials could eventually produce zeolite minerals like those in saline-alkaline lakes on Earth. Analcime forms only in water-limited environments (low W/R ratio), while chabazite is present even at relatively high W/R ratio. Clinoptilolite transforms to analcime with an increase in pH, with decreased W/R ratio, and with time. Analcime was found to be the most stable zeolite mineral over the greatest range of conditions in this environment, associated with increased pH, consistent with its presence as a very common constituent of saline-alkaline lake deposits on Earth. The study shows that the mineral precipitation patterns associated with the dissolution of high-silica materials through acid weathering are comparable to the mineral precipitation patterns following the dissolution of basaltic rocks by acid weathering under 0 − 25oC conditions or hydrothermal conditions as described in previous laboratory, field, and geochemical modeling studies.

Microstructural investigation of lithium slag geopolymer pastes containing silica fume and fly ash as additive chemical modifiers

Lithium slag is an industrial by-product obtained after lithium extraction from spodumene ore. The higher concentration of sulfate ions (SO4−2) in the form of gypsum/anhydrite makes it a chemically unviable binder. This research investigates the dilution of the sulphatic component in pore solution by additive incorporation of silica fume and fly ash as chemical modifiers in the lithium slag geopolymer. The setting behavior, detailed microstructural properties, mineral phase quantitative analysis, and compressive strength of lithium slag geopolymer containing fly ash and silica fume were studied. The increasing silica to alumina ratios (Si/Al) by incorporating silica fume in sodium tetraborate added geopolymer resulted in the set retardation after the setting accelerated at Si/Al ratio of 3.5. Similarly, the set retardation was observed for all fly ash replaced lithium slag geopolymers marked by the lower dissolution of SO4−2 ions in pore solution. The fragmented and porous N-(C)-A-S-H gel in lithium slag geopolymer densified by additive incorporation of silica fume and fly ash due to suppressed formation of SO4−2 in pore solution, thus increasing the compressive strength. The main binding zeolite phases quantified in mineral and crystal phase analysis of fly ash replaced geopolymer were mordenite, anorthite, analcime, and calcium chabazite, whereas for silica fume incorporated geopolymer were mordenite, anorthite, analcime, and sodium clinoptilolite. Thus, the lithium slag can be a promising geopolymer precursor along with other supplementary cementitious materials. However, further research is suggested for its chemical viability as a sole geopolymer binder.

On the Optimization of Ni/A and Ni/X Synthesis Procedure toward Active and Selective Catalysts for the Production of CH4 from CO2

Herein, optimization of zeolite NaA/NaX synthesis conditions in order to obtain the final product with high surface area and pore volume was investigated. An optimal synthesis condition was 5 days aging time and crystallization time of 9 h with the co-addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and heptane. All those optimal synthesis conditions provided mixed phase between zeolite NaA and NaX, and addition of those organic phases improved the surface area and pore volume of the final synthesized zeolite. The role of CTAB and heptane on increasing the surface area of zeolite was studied by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The SAXS results evidenced that small nucleation precursor was formed upon the addition of organic phase, and this nucleation precursor can provide zeolite with high-characteristic XRD signals of mixed phase of zeolite A and X after the crystallization process. The synthesized zeolite obtained from optimal synthesis condition with high surface area was further used as a catalyst support by impregnating with 5, 10, 15, and 20wt%Ni for catalyzing CO2 methanation reaction. The results found that 15wt%Ni/zeolite expressed the highest catalytic activity with high CH4 selectivity and stability. This was due to high dispersion of Ni species on catalyst surface and high metal-support interaction between Ni and zeolite. These results indicated that the mixed phase zeolite support can be a potential catalyst support for this reaction.

Impact of ion exchange on zeolite hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity monitored by water capacity using thermal analysis

Zeolite coatings consisting of a mixed phase of LTA and FAU type zeolites, prepared originally in Na form, were exchanged by Li, Mg and Ce ions. The effects of ion exchange on hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity as well as water capacities at relatively low and high temperatures were investigated by thermogravimetry (TG). The same investigations were also carried out for pure phases of powder zeolites NaA, NaX and NaY. It was determined that ion exchange might have significant effects on hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and water capacities of zeolites in case favorable ions and suitable exchange conditions are used. Enhancements of about 50% were obtained in the hydrophobicity index and water capacity values at 100 °C when zeolite coatings in Na form were exchanged by Ce and Mg, respectively. The improvements obtained by Mg and Ce exchanges were determined to be related to different effects of these ions on LTA and FAU type zeolite phases, respectively.

Impact of residual sodium cations in azonia-spiro templates on the formation of large and extra-large pore zeolites

Azonia-spiro compounds have been reported as organic templates for synthesizing many extra-large pore high silica zeolites, often isomorphically substituted by germanium. However, these templates are usually obtained in the presence of sodium hydroxide, leading to persisting sodium ions in the final products. Sodium cations may compete with azonia-spiro organics as templates during zeolite synthesis. Therefore, effect of any residual sodium cations on the synthesis results needs to be investigated. This work documents the effect of sodium ions on zeolite formation using four structurally similar azonia-spiro compounds as templates. Different silicogermanate zeolites (UTL, an unknown zeolitic phase, etc.) were formed in the absence of sodium cations. Notably, the syntheses of silicogermanate UTL and siliceous MTW zeolites using azonia-spiro[4,6] and [6,6] are reported for the first time. Controlled amounts of sodium chloride were added to zeolite crystallization mixtures without residual sodium hydroxide. In the presence of 0.005–0.1 mol/L Na+, silicogermanate zeolites were the dominant phases. Further increasing the Na+ concentration to 0.152 and 0.317 mol/L, formation of UTL and an unknown silicogermanate phase were inhibited in favor of a dense sodiumgermanate (Na4Ge9O20). Moreover, sodium ions next to azonia-spiro organic templates also influence the morphologies of the MTW zeolites. The observed high sensitivity of zeolite formation in the presence of even traces of sodium therefore has impact on synthesis protocols of large pore silicogermanate zeolites. This work highlights how small, often overlooked, factors in inorganic material synthesis can drastically change the outcome.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolite Prepared From South Africa Coal Fly Ash

In industry, synthetic zeolites are commonly used as ion-exchange materials, catalyst supports, and adsorbents. As a result, a more energy-efficient alternative for its synthesis from low-cost and accessible raw materials is needed. This study, presents the possibility of using class F South African coal fly ash (SACFA) from Lethaba thermal-power station as a precursor to produce zeolites via a microwave (MW) assisted synthesis route. The mineral content of synthetic materials was determined using X-ray florescence (XRF). Morphology was determined using a Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental composition by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). X-ray diffractometry (XRD) was used to get structural characterization. Microwave (MW) irradiation time and intensity enhance the crystallization of the zeolite phase as a result of sufficient energy required to enable the solubility of alumina and silica from coal fly ash. The use of MW irradiation provides a green alternative to zeolite synthesis from fly ash (FA) than traditional thermal and fusion techniques, which uses a great deal of energy consumption and a longer reaction time.

Effect of quartz powder on mid-strength fly ash geopolymers at short curing time and low curing temperature

Geopolymers are recommended as an alternative to Portland Cement, which has high CO2 emissions. Geopolymers are a more environment-friendly construction material produced using the precursor aluminosilicate powders. In this context, fly ash rich in SiO2 and Al2O3 is frequently used in geopolymer design. In this study, geopolymers were obtained using different quartz powder proportions (0, 50, 75 and 100%) instead of river sand. The produced geopolymer mixtures were subjected to heat curing at 40–60 and 80 °C for 6, 8 and 10 h. The physical, mechanical, transport and microstructural properties of geopolymers produced at low curing temperature and short curing time were investigated. Within the scope of the experimental study, 36 different geopolymer mixtures were produced. The hardened unit weights of geopolymer mixtures vary between 2170–2250 kg/m3. Unit weights are relatively low since the fly ash content in the mixtures is 1000 kg/m3. The compressive strength (1-day) of geopolymer mixtures varied between 7 and 60 MPa, and flexural strengths varied between 3 and 9.7 MPa. The mechanical properties of the mixtures improve as quartz powder, curing time and curing temperature increase. While the capillary water absorption of geopolymer mixtures cured at 40 °C exceeds 1 kg/m2, the capillary water absorption of mixtures cured at 80 °C is below 0.40 kg/m2. Since the fly ash rate is high in geopolymer mixtures, the alkali activator rate has also increased and therefore, the CO2 emission has exceeded 400 kgCO2/ton. However, as the compressive strength of the mixtures increased, the emission factor decreased. The N-A-S-H and crystal zeolitic phases were formed in the geopolymer matrix, as an observation of SEM, XRD, and FT-IR analysis. Withal, as the quartz powder increased, the crystal phase of the geopolymer matrix increased, also. As a result, it was determined that fly ash geopolymers with 60 MPa compressive strength could be obtained by using quartz powder in a short curing time of 10 h.