Question

What are zeolites used for?

Answer 1

Zeolites:

1. Zeolites are three dimensional solid crystals that are made up of Aluminium silicates.
2. Zeolites are minerals which primarily contain compounds of Aluminium and Silicon.
3. These solid crystals are microporous in nature.
4. The chemical formula of zeolites are ${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{Si}}_2{O}_8.{\mathrm{xH}}_{2}O$.
5. Zeolites are sometimes called molecular sieves because they have a small opening in which small molecules can enter and escape but bigger one do not.
6. The example of Zeolites are: Erionite [${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{K}}_2\mathrm{CaMg}{\left({\mathrm{AlO}}_2\right)}_2{\left({\mathrm{SiO}}_2\right)}_2.6{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$], Gemelinite [${\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{Ca}{\left({\mathrm{AlO}}_2\right)}_2{\left({\mathrm{SiO}}_2\right)}_4.6{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$, and ZSM-5$\mathrm{Hx}\left[\left({\mathrm{AlO}}_2\right)\mathrm{x}\right({\mathrm{SiO}}_2)96-\mathrm{x}].16{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

Uses:

1. Zeolites are basically used to remove the hardness of the water.
2. They can also be used in cleaning agents, detergents, and purifiers for water and air.
3. Zeolites can be used in treating and curing cancer, diarrhoea, autism, herpes, etc.