Characterization and ultrasound-assisted activation of Indonesian natural zeolite from Cikalong West Java Province

Abstract

Abstract Natural zeolite activation from Cikalong, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, has been investigated experimentally. The activation process is carried out with a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is utilized by ultrasound cavitation. The purposes of this research are to determine the effect of variation of process variables on the physical-chemical characteristics of zeolites. There were two variables studied, namely; sonication time and NaCl concentration. The study was conducted with the one factor at a time (OFAT) method, which is observing responses to changes in one variable at other constant. The range of sonication time of 20 - 60 minutes, while the NaCl concentration is 0.25N - 4N. Natural zeolites and activated zeolites are then characterized using SEM, XRF, FTIR, iod number, and cation exchange capacity to test their physical-chemical characteristics. Characterization results showed that activated natural zeolite had better quality than natural zeolite. The results of the SEM analysis showed the crystal type of natural zeolite minerals in the form of elongated crystals and others, which indicate the shape of quartz and mordenite. XRF analysis results prove that the elements of Ferrum, calcium, magnesium, and potassium are cations that can be exchanged with other metal elements. The results of the volumetric analysis showed an increase in iodine number and cation exchange capacity, along with an increase in sonication time and decreased along with the increasing of NaCl concentration. Based on these properties, zeolites have excellent performance as an adsorbent.