Prediction and Verification of the Conditions Governing the Synthesis of Tailored Zeolite a for Heavy Metals Removal

Abstract

Numerous experimental trials, exhaustive analytical and testing procedures are usually undertaken, to reach the appropriate conditions for synthesis of “Zeolite A”. However, it is possible to come-up with a semi quantitative approach, through modeling and optimization techniques, to define the approximate range of initial conditions governing the preparation of a tailored zeolite with specific characteristics including silica to alumina ratio, particle size, and cation exchange capacity to be used for the removal of heavy metals. This paper is an attempt to adopt an engineering approach essentially comprising the formulation of a mathematical model relating the characteristics of zeolite A to the synthesis conditions based on numerous experimental published results, optimization to define the synthesis conditions required to produce specific zeolite A , verification of this proposed approach with experimental results for preparation of tailored zeolite A conducted at our laboratories and the assessment of its efficiency for separation of chromium (III). The composition of the synthesized zeolite A has been as anticipated and the removal of chromium (III) has been in agreement with the developed model. These results indicate that is possible to adopt this approach in a generic manner to select the optimum synthesis conditions for the preparation of zeolites having specific performance characteristics.