Synthesis of nano-crystalline zeolite-A and zeolite-X from Indian coal fly ash, its characterization and performance evaluation for the removal of Cs+ and Sr2+ from simulated nuclear waste

Phase pure zeolite-A and zeolite-X were synthesized using coal fly ash (CFA) obtained from Indian thermal power plants by employing alkali fusion method followed by hydrothermal technique. The fusion of fly ash with Na2CO3 was accomplished by heating at 800 degrees C/2 h by maintaining fly ash to Na2CO3 ratio at 1.2. The fused mass was found to be nepheline (Na4Al4Si4O16); and on subsequent treatment of the fused mass with 3 M NaOH under hydrothermal condition transformed to zeolite-A (Na12Al12Si12O48 center dot 27H(2)O) and zeolite-X (Na88Al88Si104O384 center dot 194H(2)O). The effluent solution from zeolite-A synthesis was utilized to prepare cancrinite. The zeolites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TG-DTA, SEM and surface area of the powders were measured by BET technique. The specific surface area of the zeolite-A and zeolite-X were found to be 58.29 +/- 0.20 and 164.34 +/- 5.4 m(2)g(-1) respectively. The TG-DTA studies showed the conversion of nano-crystalline to micro-crystalline zeolites with loss of adsorbed water. The ion exchange capacities of these nano-crystalline zeolites were evaluated by using simulated nuclear waste solutions containing Cs(+)or Sr2+ ions. The adsorption capacity of zeolite-A was found to be 95.74 mg/g and 54.12 mg/g respectively for Sr2+ and Cs+ ions. Similarly, zeolite-X shows the adsorption capacity of 93.14 mg/g and 53.14 mg/g respectively for Sr2+ and Cs+ ions.

Automated summary

Phase pure zeolite-A and zeolite-X were successfully synthesized using coal fly ash obtained from Indian thermal power plants through alkali fusion method followed by hydrothermal technique. The zeolites showed high specific surface area and excellent ion exchange capacity, making them suitable for adsorbing pollutants.