Cation Exchange in Zeolites Structure Modification by Using a Microwave

Abstract

In this research, characterization and modification of clinoptilolite minerals from different deposits have been studied to determine its utility for different Clinoptilolite minerals obtained from the source located in Western (FTIR) to determine the structural properties. The FTIR spectra of the samples showed the characteristic vibrations of the clinoptilolite framework. Thermal properties were determined using Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA), Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The analysis showed that the structure of the samples were stable up to 650 DC and due to the Fe203 present in the tuff, phase inversion was observed. Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimeter (ASAP 2010) used to determine the adsorptionrelated properties using N2 and Ar adsorption isotherms. The samples showed different adsorption behaviour toward each gas. The pore size distribution of clinoptilolite samples showed that they have mesaporous structure.The clinoptilolite was modified by ion exchange using 1N NaCI salt solution in waterbath, and in microwave maintained at 80 DC for 10 min, 60 min and 120 min. The efficiency of each method on ion exchange was compared. The Na+ amount in the zeolite was found to be 2.25 and 3.24 % by weight after 2 hours of exchange in waterbath and microwave, respectively. The results showed that microwave method used for modification was more efficient.