A Novel Synthesis Method of Zeolite X From Coal Fly Ash: Alkaline Fusion Followed by Ultrasonic-Assisted Synthesis Method

Abstract

This study was focused on synthesis of zeolite X from coal fly ash using the alkaline fusion method coupled with a novel method which uses ultrasonic energy for aging step. Optimum conditions were investigated using the Taguchi experimental design method. Synthesized zeolitic products were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, surface area, and cation exchange capacity analysis. Aging time was reduced from 24 to 2 h with usage of ultrasonic energy. Due to high surface area and similar crystal and morphological properties of the final products, we propose that the synthesized zeolitic products can serve as commercially competitive available material.