Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zeolite Particle from Malaysia’s Low-grade Kaolin to Improve Membrane Properties and Performance

Tijjani Abdullahi; Zawati Harun; Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman; Awwal Hussain Nuhu; Nurasyikin Misdan; Jamilu Usman

Authors

Tijjani Abdullahi Advanced Manufacturing and Material Center (AMMC), Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Zawati Harun Advanced Manufacturing and Material Center (AMMC), Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Awwal Hussain Nuhu Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Nurasyikin Misdan Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Jamilu Usman Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Keywords:

Microwave-assisted, hydrothermal, synthesis, zeolite, membrane

Abstract

Modification of membrane through additives have been widely implemented to improve membrane properties. With integration of hydrophobic particles, it does not only improve water flux permeation but also able to enhance antifouling properties of polymer membrane. This study presents a remarkable synthesis of LTA type zeolite from a locally available kaolin found in peninsula Malaysia. The effect of the synthesis protocol on the phase purity of the synthesized zeolite was evaluate by qualitative and quantitative XRD analysis using the Xpert highscore plus software. The prepared zeolite was characterized by FTIR, SEM and BET. The microwave synthesis has shown the capability of reducing the synthesis time by 4-8 times and the product shows a smaller particle size distribution for a better surface area as compared to the clinoptilolite natural zeolite. The surface area, pore size and the size distribution of the synthesized zeolite portrayed its potentials for use as an addictive in membrane technology.