Zeolitisation of pumice—microporous materials on macroporous support structures derived from natural materials

Abstract

The use of pumice granules as a macroporous superstructure for the support of microcrystalline microporous materials is examined with specific reference to the application of these materials to environmental and waste management problems. The effects of synthesis conditions and time on the adsorption capacity and zeolite product are examined, and compared to commercially available materials. The effect of zeolitisation on the pumice microstructure has also been investigated. The results show that pumice is both an effective zeolite host and source of compositional elements. Zeolite growth has little effect on the pore structure of the materials, however compositional constraints lead to a low degree of isomorphic substitution, and a lower ion exchange capacity than potentially producible.