Synthesis of FAU Type Zeolite Y from Natural Raw Materials: Hydrothermal SiO2-Sinter and Perlite Glass

The first synthesis of pure FAU-type zeolite Y from a SiO 2 -sinter and perlite glass is presented. FAU-type Zeolite Y was synthesized at 95 2C after 6-12 hours using gels having SiO 2 :Al 2 O 3 :Na 2 O molar ratios of 8.4:1:4.2 and using gels with SiO 2 :Al 2 O 3 :Na 2 O molar ratios of 10.5:1:4.2 between 48 and 120 hours reaction time. Except for zeolite Y, zeolite NaP c , gmelinite-Na and the OH-analogue of sodalite were produced from starting gels with different composition. The cation exchange capacity of zeolite Y was 3.3 meq.g -1 and its specific surface area was 520-550 m 2 .g - . Most of the specific surface area is allocated to micropores. Zeolite Y synthesized from gels with a SiO 2 :Al 2 O 3 molar ratio of 10.5:1 has a lattice parameter parameter a o = 24.747 and a Si/Al ratio 2:1. It is concluded that inexpensive raw materials such as volcanic glasses can be used for the production of high added value zeolite Y.