Synthesis of Pure Zeolite-X in A Flowsynth Circulating Batch Microwave Reactor from Clear Solution Extracted from Coal Fly Ash

Abstract

The present work shows that the pure phase of Na-X zeolite can be successfully synthesized via a microwave-assisted system in a flow process from a clear solution extracted from alkaline-treated coal fly ash (CFA). The FlowSynth microwave reactor supplies continuous microwave irradiation for the circulating batch manufacturing of nanomaterials. The effect of crystallization time and temperature of the circulating batch microwave reactor on the yield and crystallinity of the produced zeolite was investigated. The synthesized crystalline zeolite Na-X was thoroughly characterized by XRF, XRD, SEM, EDX, and BET. The maximum crystallinity (99.13%) was achieved at an operating temperature of 85 ^oC, 124 W, and 4 h. A circular batch-flow microwave reactor enhances and accelerates the crystal growth of zeolite. The produced crystalline zeolite had a high purity.