Preparation of zeolitic material using natural clinoptilolite for CO₂ capture

This study shows the results in the preparation of zeolite P using a natural clinoptilolite. Three samples of clinoptilolite were analyzed to determine the sample with high purity of clinoptilolite; however, quartz and albite also were identified in the samples. The synthesis of zeolitic material was achieved in a hydrothermal system considering five factors: dose of CTAB, temperature, time of reaction, solid/liquid ratio and NaOH concentration. A factorial experimental design was implemented and 32 experiments were achieved. The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and N2 physical adsorption. The principal factor in the formation of zeolite P was the concentration of NaOH. The zeolite P synthesized was impregnated with diethanolamine (DEA) and used to capture CO2 obtained a value of 2.5 mmol/g as CO2 adsorption capacity.

Keywords: clinoptilolite, CO2 capture, amine, zeolite P, hydrothermal synthesis.