Question

What are the properties of zeolite?

Answer 1

Zeolite:

1. It is a uniform shape-selective catalyst because of the honeycomb structure.
2. Zeolites are aluminosilicate crystalline materials with tetrahedral structures of Silicon (${\mathrm{Si}}^{4+}$)and Aluminum (${\mathrm{Al}}^{3+}$) cation and Oxygen (${\mathrm{O}}^{2-}$)anion.

Uses:

1. It is used as a catalyst for hydrocarbon cracking and isomerization in petrochemical industries.

Example:

1. ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst converts alcohol into gasoline by dehydration process to form a hydrocarbon mixture.

Properties:

1. It has a porous material with a cation exchange framework to enhance the adsorption property.
2. It is composed of open channels and cages in which cages are referred to as eight-ring connected with Oxygen atoms.
3. It is also referred to as a molecular sieve because it separates the molecules according to their size.
4. These are very stable materials under atmospheric conditions.
5. It is insoluble in water and other inorganic materials.
6. No oxidation reaction in the presence of air.
7. Zeolite with a high amount of Aluminum is attracted towards polar molecules such as water and with a high amount of Silica is attracted towards non-polar molecules such as Carbon dioxide.
8. It is a naturally occurring material and non-reactive so it does not create any harmful effect on the environment.
9. Natural zeolites are non-uniform size materials but synthetic zeolites are uniform in size.