Synthesis of Nanosized ZSM-5 Zeolite from Rice Husk Straw using TPABr as a Template

Rice husk straw (RHS) is a hard unused recyclable waste from the power propagation industry. In this study, white silica particles were extracted from local RHS by successional chemical treatment in alkaline and acidic media. The obtained silica is amorphous and could be transformed into crystalline silica by thermal treatment at high temperatures. The transformation temperature affects its chemical purity and particle size. The prepared silica was well-incorporated with other components under hydrothermal conditions to synthesize ZSM-5, mordenite and other types of zeolite. ZSM-5 zeolites were characterized with different techniques including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption/desorption. The prepared ZSM-5 showed a pure crystalline structure and high surface area varied from 516 to 660 m2/g depending on the preparation conditions. The microstructure of ZSM-5 particles size was found to be around 75 nm.