Microwave Irradiation-Assisted Synthesis of Zeolites from Coal Fly Ash: An Optimization Study for a Sustainable and Efficient Production Process
Boitumelo Makgabutlane, Lebea N. Nthunya, Edward N. Nxumalo, Nicholas M. Musyoka, Sabelo D. Mhlanga
Abstract
/g and a cation exchange capacity of 3.10 mequiv/g were achieved for zeolite A, suggesting its potential application as an adsorbent and cation exchange material for environmental remediation. Complete microwave irradiation offers a greener approach toward zeolite synthesis from coal fly ash compared to conventional hydrothermal and fusion methods that consume a lot of energy and require longer reaction times.
Topics & Concepts
Fly ashSodaliteZeoliteCoalChemical engineeringMaterials scienceAdsorptionDissolutionCrystallizationWaste managementMineralogyChemistryNuclear chemistryOrganic chemistryCatalysisComposite materialEngineeringZeolite Catalysis and SynthesisCoal and Its By-productsClay minerals and soil interactions