Synthesis of zeolite from kaolin and the subsequent production of ceramic – zeolite water filter

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2013-09-04
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The synthesis of zeolite from kaolin was performed and a low–cost, easy access ceramic water filter was produced. The zeolite used for the production of the filter was synthesized from kaolin. Two steps were used for the synthesis; thermal activation of the kaolin at 600 O C to get a dehydroxylated product called metakaolin (metakaolinization) and hydrothermal reaction of metakaolin in alkaline medium for crystallization of the zeolite (zeolitisation). For the hydrothermal transformation of the metakaolinite, NaOH solutions at 3, 4, 5 and 6 M concentrations were used at crystallization tempereature of 105 O C, over the reaction times; 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours. The transformed products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). XRD spectra of the transformed metakaolinites showed a phase of zeolite LTA with a face-centered cubic crystal structure. SEM confirmed the cubic crystal structure of the zeolite and FTIR used the absorption band to confirm the sample as zeolite LTA. XRF data showed that the major elements present in the kaolin and zeolite were Al, Si, K and Fe. The minor elements were Mg, Ti, and Ca. The best synthesis condition for the transformation of the kaolin was optimized to obtain zeolite in bulk quantity which was then used to mold the candle filter, with addition of other clay. Some properties of the candle such surface area, thickness, turbidity removal, flow rate and coliform removal were tested and gave favourable results.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Physics, 2013
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