Synthesis of Zeolites from Coal Fly Ash and Their Environmental Application

Abstract

This study aims to make adsorption-capable zeolite from coal fly ash, a waste product from coal-fired power plants (CFA). When it comes to commercializing sorbent, the total cost and efficiency of the adsorbent material are critical. This work used tap water instead of distilled water (DW) to synthesis zeolite from fly ashes at 90°C crystallization temperatures. The discovery lays the door for a cost-effective but easy technique of synthesizing viable zeolitic materials for adsorption applications using waste products like coal fly ash. According to the comprehensive characterization, the support for the use of TP to make zeolites is based on its larger particle size, and lower carbon impurities. The generated zeolite was homogenous and A-type, and applied as an adsorbent to remove traces of heavy metals contaminants. During a 25-minute agitation period, the zeolites produced with TP had a greater adsorption capacity. In principle, the proposed approach permits the synthesis of low-cost, high-efficiency zeolite-based adsorbent materials for environmental remediation without the use of harmful or expensive chemicals.