Zeolites are a type of crystalline microporous materials. They are commonly prepared by hydrothermal synthesis from reaction gel containing aluminium and silicon source, a solvent and structure directing agents. Zeolites are used as effective absorbents and heterogeneous catalysts in various industrial processes due to their characteristic chemical composition, possibility of additionally functionalisation and ordered pore system of specifically defined shapes and size. The use of zeolites in oil refinery, chemical production and removal of NOX, SOX, N2, O2 and humidity from air is as well established. Furthermore, zeolites have proved successful in energy recovery and storage and selective capture and conversion of CO2 into fuels.
This bachelor thesis focuses on the use of cubic zeolite P as potential sorbent for later removal of CO2 from polluted air. The aim of this thesis was to study synthesis parameters (crystallisation time and temperature, pH), influence of surfactants and Si/Al molar ratio on size, shape and agglomeration of zeolite P particles. Additionally, the optimal crystallisation conditions and molar ratio for zeolite P synthesis were determined.
The samples were characterised using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and CHN analysis.
To conclude, this study was able to show an increased modification on the size and agglomeration of zeolite P particles by changing Si/Al molar ratio compared to use of surfactants. Phase-pure cubic zeolites P with size of particles 17 nm were agglomerated in various sizes from 300 - 500 nm.
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