Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite particle from Malaysia's low-grade kaolin to improve membrane properties and performance

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.