In this work, the synthesis of zeolite Y from Akilbenza clay was studied. The crystallization time of the process was investigated in order to reduce the synthesis duration. Metaclay and dealuminated metaclay (METDEA) were synthetized from Akilbenza clay and then used as sources of aluminium and silicon for zeolite Y synthesis using the hydrothermal method of synthesis. The synthesis parameters used were: ageing time 24 hrs, stirring time 3 hrs, crystallization temperature 110 °C and crystallization time varying from 1 to 4 days. The synthesis was unfolded using a 10 M solution of sodium hydroxide. The crystallisation times were 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The various products obtained in the course of the synthesis process were analyzed by using XRD, X-ray fluorescence, BET, EDX and ATR-FTIR. XRD pattern of the zeolite obtained match with a standard Y zeolite. It was found to have a specific surface area of 149 m2/g, an average pore diameter of 10. 2074 nm, a pore volume of 0.0525 cm3 and a Si/Al ratio of 2.47. All chemical functions found on the material surface are Si-O-Si, Si-O-Al and located between 455.18 and 1250 cm-1. The crystal growth increased with the time of crystallization but a minimum of two days was sufficient for the synthesis. Akilbenza clay can be used for the Y-type zeolites synthesis and the crystallization time impacts on the zeolites’ crystallization process.
Keywords: Akilbenza clay, dealuminated metakaolinite, metakaolinite, zeolite Y
