Characterization and cation exchange properties of zeolite synthesized from fly ashes

Zeolite P was formed from class F fly ash under hydrothermal conditions. The fly ash was reacted with 2.8 or 5 M NaOH at 100 °C. Zeolite of the above type was produced regardless of the NaOH concentration or the addition of quartz, thus indicating its formation over a wide range of conditions. The zeolite produced was of the NaP-type with a fibrous morphology. Analysis of the pore structure of this zeolite by the BET method indicates a type II isotherm. The specific surface areas of synthesized zeolites increased from 28.5 to 41.1 m²/g when the NaOH concentration was increased from 2.8 to 5.0 M. This zeolite showed a significant selectivity for the uptake of Cs and Sr. Cs uptake ranged from 7.67 to 8.61 meq/100 g while that of Sr ranged from 9.8 to 10.54 meq/100 g. The value obtained depended on the specific synthesis conditions. These values are higher than those observed for tobermorite prepared from the same fly ash even though the tobermorite exhibited a higher specific surface area.