Strategic Synthesis to Disperse Zeolite NaY in Lead Tree Wood

Abstract

The goal of this work is to synthesize zeolite NaY inside Lead tree wood. The wood is mixed with zeolite seed gel before mixing with feed gel and subsequent hydrothermal treatment. In the first trial, the dried and untreated Lead tree wood is mixed with the gel of zeolite NaY before the hydrothermal process. Only zeolite NaP is produced. Then, sonication is applied to the wood and zeolite gel mixture before the hydrothermal process. The product is mixed with the phase of NaP and NaY. In the next attempt, the wood is treated with acid reflux before mixing with the zeolite seed gel. NaY is successfully produced inside the wood. When sonication is also applied, the amount of NaY is increased. The presence of zeolites in the wood are confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, the composites are tested for the adsorption of nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The novel Lead tree wood-zeolite NaY composite has the potential as an adsorbent which could be separated easily from the liquid media.