Synthesis and sorption properties of 13X zeolite derived from coal fly ash

Abstract

Zeolite material of 13x structure was prepared by NaOH fusion of fly ash of Gujarat region followed by hydrothermal treatment at 105°C at autogenous pressure for 12h. Complete conversion of fly ash to I3x zeolite structure, with high surface area of 430m'/g, was conformed from the XRD analysis. Sorption of heavy metal ions (Cu and Co) was studied using both fly ash and prepared zeolite material at acidic pH of2-3 with varying the concentration of metal ions. The data obtained were fitted to the Langmuir equation and Langmuir parameters (b. Xm & K) were evaluated. Both the materials followed the selectivity order ofCu" > Co" at all concentrations. From above study it is observed that the prepared zeolite can be used as better adsorbent for heavy metal sorption from acidic waste water in comparison to that offly ash.