Synthesis of zeolite W from alkali fusion activated K‐feldspar by gel‐like‐solid phase method

Abstract

Zeolite W with the spindle morphology has been rapidly synthesized from alkali fusion activated K-feldspar via gel-like-solid phase method after supplementing a small amount of silica-aluminum xerogel. The effects of n(H 2 O)/n (SiO 2 ), m (activation product)/m (xerogel), and crystallization time on the synthesis of zeolite W were investigated. The optimal synthesis conditions were m (activation product)/m (xerogel) of 3.92, n(H 2 O)/n (SiO 2 ) of 25.8, and crystallization time of 12 h. The synthesized zeolite W was used to extract K + ion from the simulated seawater. The synthesized zeolite W with the fluffier spindle morphology exhibited a higher K + extraction capacity. The maximum exchange capacity of zeolite W for K + ion reached 49.57 mgÁg À1 . The zeolite W synthesized by the gel-like-solid phase method possessed a superior K + extraction capacity than that synthesized by the hydrothermal method when K-feldspar was used as the raw material and an approximate K + extraction capacity with that synthesized from chemical reagents. In addition, the recycling process of the mother liquor was designed. This work provides an effective way for the zeolite W synthesis and the resource utilization of K-feldspar with advantages of high raw material utilization, low water content in the synthesis system, short crystallization time, and recyclable mother liquor after synthesis of zeolite W.