DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jksa.28.5.274-282

Synthesis of NaX Zeolite from Blitar Kaolin via Hydrothermal and Sonication Methods with Alkali Fusion Pre-treatment

1Chemistry Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, Malang (65144), Indonesia

2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang (65145), Indonesia

Received: 18 Jan 2025; Revised: 25 Jun 2025; Accepted: 30 Jun 2025; Published: 10 Jul 2025.
Open Access Copyright 2025 Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract

NaX zeolite, widely recognized for its applications in cation exchange, adsorption, and catalysis, was successfully synthesized from Blitar natural kaolin using an alkali fusion pre-treatment, followed by two comparative synthesis methods: hydrothermal and sonication. The synthesis was conducted at 70°C for 2 and 4 hours. Optimal conditions were achieved with a NaOH/kaolin weight ratio of 2.0 and a synthesis gel composition of 10SiO2: 1Al2O3: 6Na2O: 180H2O (molar ratio). X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the transformation of natural kaolin into sodium silicate, with sonication yielding phase-pure NaX zeolite, while the hydrothermal method resulted in NaX with sodalite impurities. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified characteristic NaX vibrations, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed cubic-shaped particles in the sonication method. The sonication process accelerated crystallization, producing higher-purity zeolite in shorter times than hydrothermal synthesis. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of sonication in enhancing the crystallinity and purity of NaX zeolite, offering a robust, time-efficient alternative for large-scale zeolite production.

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Keywords: Zeolite NaX; Kaolin, Hydrothermal; Sonication; Alkali Fusion

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Section: Research Articles
Language : EN
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