SYNTHESIS OF ZEOLITES FROM SILICA GEL WASTE FOR CARBON DIOXIDE ADSORPTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst9712Keywords:
Zeolites, Linde Type A, Faujasite, Silica gel, Carbon dioxide, CO2Abstract
Growing volumes of solid waste from industrial and agricultural sources continue to raise environmental concerns. One such waste stream is silica gel, frequently used in packaging and typically discarded, despite its high silica content. In this study, discarded silica gel was employed as a silica source for the synthesis of sodium-form zeolites, namely NaA, NaX, and NaY. The resulting materials were assessed for their performance in carbon dioxide adsorption. Crystalline zeolite phases were successfully formed, with CO₂ uptake capacities of 4.10, 5.84, and 4.39 mmol/g for NaA, NaX, and NaY, respectively. These synthesized zeolites showed adsorption properties on par with those of commercially available analogues. The findings support the transformation of silica gel waste into effective, affordable, and sustainable materials for CO₂ capture applications.
References
Abdullahi, T., Harun, Z., & Othman, M. H. D. (2017). A review on sustainable synthesis of zeolite from kaolinite resources via hydrothermal process. Advanced Powder Technology, 28(8), 1827-1840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2017.04.028
Amoni, B. D. C., Freitas, A. D. L., Loiola, A. R., Soares, J. B., & Soares, S. D. A. (2019). A method for NaA zeolite synthesis from coal fly ash and its application in warm mix asphalt. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 20(sup2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2019.1633766
Bonenfant, D., Kharoune, M., Niquette, P., Mimeault, M., & Hausler, R. (2008). Advances in principal factors influencing carbon dioxide adsorption on zeolites. Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, 9(1), 013007. https://doi.org/10.1088/1468-6996/9/1/013007
Cui, Y., Xing, Y., Tian, J., Su, W., Sun, F.-Z., & Liu, Y. (2023). Insights into the adsorption performance and separation mechanisms for CO2 and CO on NaX and CaA zeolites by experiments and simulation. Fuel, 337, 127179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.127179
Davarpanah, E., Armandi, M., Hernández, S., Fino, D., Arletti, R., Bensaid, S., & Piumetti, M. (2020). CO2 capture on natural zeolite clinoptilolite: Effect of temperature and role of the adsorption sites. Journal of Environmental Management, 275, 111229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111229
de Aquino, T. F., Estevam, S. T., Viola, V. O., Marques, C. R., Zancan, F. L., Vasconcelos, L. D. B., Riella, H. G., Pires, M. A. J., Morales-Ospino, R., & Torres, A. E. B. (2020). CO₂ adsorption capacity of zeolites synthesized from coal fly ashes. Fuel, 276, 118143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.118143
de Carvalho Izidoro, J., Fungaro, D. A., & Cataldo, E. (2024). Zeolites synthesized from agro-industrial residues applied in agriculture: A review and future prospects. Soil Use and Management, 40(1), e13003. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.13003
Gao, F., Li, Y., Bian, Z., Hu, J., & Liu, H. (2015). Dynamic hydrophobic hindrance effect of zeolite@zeolitic imidazolate framework composites for CO2 capture in the presence of water. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 3(15), 8091-8097. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4TA06645F
Gouveia, L. G. T., Agustini, C. B., Perez-Lopez, O. W., & Gutterres, M. (2020). CO2 adsorption using solids with different surface and acid-base properties. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 8(4), 103823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2020.103823
Jantarit, N., Tayraukham, P., Osakoo, N., Föttinger, K., & Wittayakun, J. (2020). Formation of EMT/FAU intergrowth and nanosized SOD zeolites from synthesis gel of zeolite NaX containing ethanol. Materials Research Express, 7(7), 075011. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/aba55a
Kaithwas, A., Prasad, M., Kulshreshtha, A., & Verma, S. (2012). Industrial wastes derived solid adsorbents for CO₂ capture: A mini review. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 90(10), 1632-1641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2012.02.011
Kamseu, E., Moungam, L. B. A., Cannio, M., Billong, N., Chaysuwan, D., Melo, U. C., & Leonelli, C. (2017). Substitution of sodium silicate with rice husk ash-NaOH solution in metakaolin based geopolymer cement concerning reduction in global warming. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 3050-3060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.164
Keawkumay, C., Krukkratoke, P., Osakoo, N., Wittayakun, J., Youngjan, S., Phanthasri, J., Khemthong, P., Deekamwong, K., & Prayoonpokarach, S. (2025). Synthesis of zeolite NaA using silica from sugarcane leaves and application in CO2 capture. Materials Letters, 139125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2025.139125
Keawkumay, C., Krukkratoke, P., Youngjan, S., Osakoo, N., Deekamwong, K., Khemthong, P., Phanthasri, J., Prayoonpokarach, S., & Wittayakun, J. (2024). Extraction of silica from sugarcane bagasse ash and its utilization in zeolite 4A synthesis for CO₂ adsorption. RSC Advances, 14(27), 19472-19482. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ra02207f
Keawkumay, C., Rongchapo, W., Sosa, N., Suthirakun, S., Koleva, I. Z., Aleksandrov, H. A., Vayssilov, G. N., & Wittayakun, J. (2019). Paraquat adsorption on NaY zeolite at various Si/Al ratios: A combined experimental and computational study. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 238, 121824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2019.121824
Khaosomboon, P., Khuanmar, K., & Weerayutsil, P. (2018). Synthesis of zeolite-A and zeolite-Y using silica gel waste as silica source and modifying with Fe. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 7(4.38), 1376-1379. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i4.38.27878
Khraisheh, M., Mukherjee, S., Kumar, A., Al Momani, F., Walker, G., & Zaworotko, M. J. (2020). An overview on trace CO2 removal by advanced physisorbent materials. Journal of Environmental Management, 255, 109874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109874
Li, Y., Yi, H., Tang, X., Li, F., & Yuan, Q. (2013). Adsorption separation of CO2/CH4 gas mixture on the commercial zeolites at atmospheric pressure. Chemical Engineering Journal, 229, 50-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2013.05.101
Mekki, A., Benmaati, A., Mokhtar, A., Hachemaoui, M., Zaoui, F., Habib Zahmani, H., Sassi, M., Hacini, S., & Boukoussa, B. (2020). Michael addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives in the presence of zeolite Y as an heterogeneous catalyst. Journal of Inorganic and
Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 30, 2323-2334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10904-019-01424-5
Muriithi, G. N., Petrik, L. F., & Doucet, F. D. R. J. (2020). Synthesis, characterisation and CO₂ adsorption potential of NaA and NaX zeolites and hydrotalcite obtained from the same coal fly ash. Journal of CO₂ Utilization, 36, 220-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2019.11.016
Obrom, W., Yingyuen, W., Nanmong, T., Deekamwong, K., Tawachkultanadilok, P., Wittayakun, J., Prayoonpokarach, S., Poo-arporn, Y., Föttinger, K., & Desaulniers, J.-P. (2025). Investigating the role of zeolite supports in Ni-based catalysts for CO2-methanation using in situ/operando XAS-GC-MS. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 390, 113548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2025.113548
Panda, D., Kumar, E. A., & Singh, S. K. (2019). Amine modification of binder-containing zeolite 4A bodies for post-combustion CO2 capture. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 58(13), 5301-5313. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.8b03958
Salehi, S., & Anbia, M. (2017). Characterization of CPs/Ca-exchanged FAU- and LTA-type zeolite nanocomposites and their selectivity for CO2 and N2 adsorption. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 110, 116-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2017.05.030
Sharma, P., Jeong, S.-J., Han, M.-H., & Cho, C.-H. (2015). Influence of silica precursors on octahedron shaped nano NaY zeolite crystal synthesis. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 50, 259-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2014.12.025
Siriwardane, R. V., Shen, M.-S., Fisher, E. P., & Losch, J. (2005). Adsorption of CO2 on zeolites at moderate temperatures. Energy & Fuels, 19(3), 1153-1159. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef040059h
Siriwardane, R. V., Shen, M.-S., Fisher, E. P., & Poston, J. A. (2001). Adsorption of CO2 on molecular sieves and activated carbon. Energy & Fuels, 15(2), 279-284. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef000241s
Tavasoli, M., Kazemian, H., Sadjadi, S., & Tamizifar, M. (2014). Synthesis and characterization of zeolite NaY using kaolin with different synthesis methods. Clays and Clay Minerals, 62(6), 508-518. https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.2014.0620605
Thommes, M., Kaneko, K., Neimark, A. V., Olivier, J. P., Rodriguez-Reinoso, F., Rouquerol, J., & Sing, K. S. (2015). Physisorption of gases, with special reference to the evaluation of surface area and pore size distribution (IUPAC Technical Report). Pure and Applied Chemistry, 87(9-10), 1051-1069. https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2014-1117
Tsitsishvili, V. (2019). Transformation of natural analcime and phillipsite during their hydrothermal recrystallization into zeolites A and X. International Journal of Advanced Research, 7, 219-230. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/8479
Walton, K. S., Abney, M. B., & LeVan, M. D. (2006). CO2 adsorption in Y and X zeolites modified by alkali metal cation exchange. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 91(1-3), 78-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2005.11.023
Wang, Y., Du, T., Song, Y., Che, S., Fang, X., & Zhou, L. (2017). Amine-functionalized mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture. Solid State Sciences, 73, 27-35. 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2017.09.004
Wittayakun, J., Khemthong, P., & Prayoonpokarach, S. (2008). Synthesis and characterization of zeolite NaY from rice husk silica. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 25(4), 861-864. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-008-0141-6
Zhang, C., Li, S., & Bao, S. (2019). Sustainable synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite from rice husk ash without addition of solvents. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 10, 2825-2835. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-018-0356-0
Zouaoui, E. H., Djamel, N., Wan Ab Karim Ghani, W. A., & Samira, A. (2021). High-pressure CO2 adsorption onto NAX zeolite: Effect of Li+, K+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ and equilibrium isotherms study. Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 40(4), 1195-1215. https://doi.org/10.30492/ijcce.2020.40342
