Abstract:
The use of natural raw materials for synthesis zeolite is considered to have more
economic advantages, but special treatment is needed to remove some impurities such
as metals. This study aims to synthesize zeolite using Maredan natural clay as a source
of Si and Al through reflux method. The synthesis was started from the leaching process
using 3 M sulfuric acid by adjusting the post-leaching atmosphere to pH 2 and 4, then
calcined at 750ºC for 3 hours. Post-calcined clays were aged at 80ºC using 5 M NaOH
with a stirring speed of 300 rpm for 3 hours, then followed by a reflux process at 100ºC
for 8 hours. The solids from this synthesis were characterized using FTIR. FTIR data
shows a double ring vibration D4R and D6R at a wavelength of 550-600 cm-1. These
two types of vibrations correspond to the functional groups of the sodalite type zeolites.
The acid site of the zeolite can be determined by FTIR analysis using pyridine
adsorption, which shows the presence of Bronsted and Lewis acid sites at wave
numbers 1540-1545 cm-1 and 1419-1544 cm
