Electrochemical monitoring of zeolite synthesis

Abstract

An electrochemical approach was used to monitor zeolite synthesis from clear solutions. A voltaic cell, consisting of a zeolite synthesis mixture (electrolyte) and two electrodes made of stainless steel (cathode) and titanium (anode), was used for this purpose. The variation of the potential difference of the two electrodes connected by a voltmeter was observed with respect to time under various experimental conditions. It was determined that information may be gained about the possibility of preparing zeolite A from different reaction mixture compositions by monitoring the changes occurring in the potential difference of the electrodes. The relative rate of zeolite A formation as well as the commencement periods of the synthesis activity and phase transformations occurring in the solution also seemed possible to be deduced from the variation of the potential difference of the electrodes with time. The electrochemical approach may be used for obtaining information about the synthesis of other zeolites, such as zeolite HS, too, but more detailed investigations should be performed on this issue.