We studied the crystallization of
ZSM-5 zeolite by hydrothermal
treatment in the absence of organic structure directing agents (OSDA)
at 170, 180, and 190 °C, using Perlite as a natural source of
SiO2 and Al2O3. Experimental data
were fitted by nonlinear regression following the Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami’s
nucleation/crystallization model in order to calculate kinetic constants
(k), induction periods (t
0), and Avrami’s exponents (n). A constant
value of n = 3.4 implicates the same mechanism in
the studied range of temperature with a contribution from three dimensions
to crystal growth and a nucleation that may include both sporadic
and instantaneous mechanisms. Different stages of crystallization
were clearly differentiated, and specific kinetics parameters were
calculated. Compared with previously reported preparations, we found
that the synthesis from Expanded Perlite is a promising alternative
as it not only avoids the use of OSDA but also consumes less energy.
Finally, a five steps crystallization mechanism has been proposed.