Aiymgul M. Akimkhan, Laboratory of Ion Exchange Resins, A.B. Bekturov Institute of Chemical Sciences, Ministry of Education and Science, Kazakhstan
Introduction
Intensive studies of natural and synthetic zeolites properties are being held from the middle of 60-70-ies. Among the various examples of zeolites application it is sufficient to mention emission and purification of normal paraffin hydrocarbons, catalytic reactions of hydrocarbons, extraction of radioactive isotopes, obtaining carriers for catalysts, release of enzymes and removal of impurities polluting the atmosphere [1-3]. The interest of researchers towards such alumosilicates is connected with unique properties of zeolites: an extremely high adsorption capacity, catalyzing action, thermal stability and resistance in different chemical environments. The relative simplicity along with relatively low cost thereof stipulates for a significant availability for mass application.
Zeolitic rocks are widely distributed in the territory of Kazakhstan and are economically and ecologically cost-efficient raw material for creating unique ion-exchange sorbents with selective properties. Development of natural zeolites modification methods opens a possibility of purposeful construction of chemically modified inorganic sorbents able to substitute synthetic analogues and of obtaining new compositions with a prospect of widening the range of ion-exchange materials. The results of the study of structural, physicochemical and ion-exchange properties of natural alumosilicates allow developing the theoretical bases for the directed alternation of the complex of useful properties of natural minerals, meeting the main criteria required for sorption materials.
πηγή: intechopen.com
