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

Abstract:

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.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 917)
• Pages: 154-159
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-2oxfw6
• Online since: April 2022
• Authors: Patrick Ehi Imoisili*, Tien Chien Jen
• Keywords: Fly Ash, Microwave, South Africa Coal, Synthesis, Zeolite

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