Thermal behavior of synthesized zeolites by hydrothermal treatment

Due to the increase in new production processes that are more efficient and environmentally friendly, the study of zeolites has been encouraged, with applications in areas such as oil refining, construction, wastewater, and gas treatment. In this study, the synthesis of zeolites was carried out by hydrothermal treatment at 100 ºC for 4 and 24 hours, in which two different routes to synthesize NaY zeolite and A zeolite were implemented. Thermal stability was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), defining calcination temperatures of 200, 400, and 600 ºC. Phase formation was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis identified the crystalline phases NaY, P2, A, NaX, sodalite, and ZK-14. Additionally, calcination was able to promote the rearrangement of the structures, increasing crystallinity and promoting the formation of new phases. DSC analysis indicated three regions: one at 200 ºC, representing the loss of water and volatile substances, and two other regions at 400 and 600 ºC, indicating structural collapse due to high temperatures.