STUDIES ON THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZEOLITES AND THEIR APPLICATION AS A CATALYST

Abstract

Because of their wide range of uses in catalysis, adsorption, and ion exchange, zeolites, which belong to the family of microporous aluminosilicate minerals, have garnered a lot of interest in recent years. The synthesis and characterisation of a variety of zeolites, as well as their potential application as catalysts in certain industrial processes, are the primary objectives of this research. Following the hydrothermal synthesis of various zeolite structures, such as ZSM-5, Y-zeolite, and Beta-zeolite, using a variety of templates and raw materials, followed by the structural and chemical characterization of these zeolite structures using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the research is being conducted. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and selectivity of the produced zeolites in comparison to traditional catalysts, their catalytic activity is examined in a number of different processes, such as cracking, isomerization, and alkylation. The findings indicate that the particular pore structure, surface area, and acidity of the zeolites have a substantial impact on the catalytic activity of the zeolites. In addition, the catalytic capabilities of zeolites can be further improved by modifying them by ion exchange or impregnation with metal nanoparticles (for example, platinum or lead). After doing the research, the researchers came to the conclusion that zeolites have the potential to be effective catalysts for a variety of chemical transformations that are also kind to the environment. These catalysts are interesting alternatives to traditional catalysts in industrial processes such as the refinement of petrochemicals and the creation of sustainable energy because of their adaptability, the fact that their characteristics may be tuned, and the fact that they can be recycled.