Structural and Ion-Exchange Properties of Natural Zeolite

Aiymgul M. Akimkhan, Laboratory of Ion Exchange Resins, A.B. Bekturov Institute of Chemical Sciences, Ministry of Education and Science, Kazakhstan

Introduction

Intensive studies into the properties of natural and synthetic zeolites have been conducted since the mid-1960s and 1970s. Among the various examples of zeolite applications, it suffices to mention the emission and purification of normal paraffin hydrocarbons, catalytic reactions involving hydrocarbons, the extraction of radioactive isotopes, the production of catalyst supports, the release of enzymes and the removal of atmospheric pollutants [1–3]. Researchers’ interest in such aluminosilicates stems from the unique properties of zeolites: an extremely high adsorption capacity, catalytic activity, thermal stability and resistance in various chemical environments. Their relative simplicity, combined with their relatively low cost, ensures their widespread availability for large-scale application.

Zeolitic rocks are widely distributed throughout Kazakhstan and constitute an economically and ecologically cost-effective raw material for the creation of unique ion-exchange sorbents with selective properties. The development of methods for modifying natural zeolites opens up the possibility of purposefully designing chemically modified inorganic sorbents capable of replacing synthetic analogues, and of obtaining new compositions with the potential to broaden the range of ion-exchange materials. The results of the study into the structural, physicochemical and ion-exchange properties of natural aluminosilicates enable the development of a theoretical basis for the targeted modification of the complex of useful properties of natural minerals, meeting the main criteria required for sorption materials.

source: intechopen.com

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