Fast Synthesis of Submicron Zeolite Y Using Microwave Heating

Submicron zeolite has become the focus of research because of its high thermal stability, high catalytic activity, and uniform size. A rapid method for synthesizing submicron zeolite Y by using microwave heating is introduced in this work. The effect of directing agent, synthesis temperature, crystallization time, and alkali ratio on the synthesis of submicron zeolite Y is systematically investigated. XRD, SEM, and particle size investigations are carried out to characterize the obtained product. The experimental results show that adding directing agent, increasing the alkali ratio, increasing the temperature or prolonging the microwave radiation time are advantageous to the formation and growth of zeolite Y. However, the high alkali ratio leads to the dissolution of the generated crystal, while excessively increasing the temperature or crystallization time easily generates uneven-sized particles or causes crystal transformation. Submicron zeolite Y of particle size 0.5–0.8 μm accounting for 80% is synthesized at 110°C in just 2 h using alkali ratio of 3 under microwave heating.