Synthesis of zeolites from municipal incinerator fly ash

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 1998-09, Vol.62 (1), p.75-89
• Main Authors: Yang, Gordon C.C, Yang, Tsung-Yin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Ion-exchange; Municipal incinerator fly ash; Other wastes and particular components of wastes; Pollution; Surface physical chemistry; Synthesis; Wastes; Zeolite; Zeolites: preparations and properties
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-3894(98)00163-0

In this work, synthesis of zeolite-like materials from a municipal incinerator fly ash (MIFA) was carried out by means of hydrothermal processing. MIFA is generally hazardous in nature. Therefore, many technologies have been developed for the treatment, disposal, and utilization of this special waste. In this investigation, conversion of MIFA to zeolite-like materials was conducted in reaction bombs that were subjected to heating in a rocking chamber. Aqueous NaOH was used as a mineralizer to assist the conversion reaction. Experimental parameters studied include the mineralizer concentration, solid/liquid (i.e., MIFA/mineralizer) ratio, reaction time, and operating temperature. Powder patterns of X-ray diffraction analysis have shown that several types of zeolite such as gismondine and gmelinite were successfully synthesized under certain experimental conditions. Therefore, it is technically feasible to synthesize zeolites from MIFA. Based on the promising results obtained, further studies are under way to upgrade the quality of synthesized products so that their applications could be expanded.