Interzeolitic Transformation of Clinoptilolite into GIS and LTA Zeolite

Abstract

A natural clinoptilolite zeolite was transformed into other zeolites of greater industrial interest, such as zeolites with GIS and LTA structures. The synthesis conditions were studied, and the interzeolitic transformation was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (FRX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results, it was possible to observe that the GIS and LTA zeolites were successfully synthesized. Furthermore, the results revealed that a synthesis time of 4 days was enough to obtain the GIS structure, and 4 h was sufficient to obtain LTA. The interzeolitic transformation can be explained by the RBU (Ring Building Unit) approach using C4 units from the HEU topology. The use of clinoptilolite in the synthesis of other zeolites is an innovative, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable process that exploits a material that exists in large quantities and is still little explored by industry.

Recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic consequence of metal species confined within zeolite for hydrogen-related reactions

“…Thus, interzeolite transformation method is proposed by the transformation of large pore zeolite-encapsulated metal species to the target zeolite via hydrothermal conditions. 67,68 Iglesia et al 69 encapsulated metal clusters (Pt, Ru, Rh) in MFI zeolite via the interzeolite transformation of FAU or BEA zeolites into MFI zeolites (Fig. 3).…”