Green Synthesis of High-Performance Zeolite Y from Kaolin: A Low-Cost Hydrothermal Approach for Catalytic Applications

Zeolite Y, a versatile material for catalysis and adsorption, was successfully synthesized from kaolin clay—an abundant and eco-friendly raw material—via a cost-effective hydrothermal route. Key to the process was the thermal activation of kaolin into metakaolin (NaOH fusion, ۸۰۰ °C, ۲ h), which enhanced its reactivity for subsequent gel formation. The gel, optimized with sodium silicate and aged at ۴۰ °C for ۲۴ h, underwent hydrothermal crystallization at ۹۰ °C for ۴۸ h, yielding a highly crystalline faujasite framework. Characterization by XRD and N₂ physisorption confirmed exceptional textural properties, including a BET surface area of ۵۴۰ m²/g and a pore volume of ۰.۲۵ cm³/g, rivaling conventional synthesis methods. This work demonstrates kaolin’s potential as a sustainable alternative for zeolite production, with implications for industrial catalysis and environmental remediation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Zeolite Y ، Kaolin valorization ، Hydrothermal synthesis ، Sustainable materials ، Heterogeneous catalysis