Synthesis and characterization of Zeolite HS using natural pyrophyllite as new clay source

Abstract

Zeolite synthesis has been achieved by alkaline treatment of a local clay, pyrophyllite. The chemical, textural and structural characteristics of the modified clay were evaluated and compared to those of the raw clay. The samples were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermoanalysis (TG-DSC). The pyrophyllite was converted to porous hydroxysodalite (HS), nearly pure, which has a surface area of 19.56 with a spherical structure and cubic system.