Effect of Low Temperature Aging Time of Zeolite a Gel on Particle Size in Hydrogel Process

For use as the water-selective component for a reverse osmosis membrane for water purification, Linde Type A zeolites were synthesized for optimal size without the use of a template.  The time and temperature of the reaction and the aging of the precursor gel were systematically modified and observed to determine the optimal conditions for producing the particles.  Scanning electron microscopy was used for characterization.  Sub-micron sized particles were synthesized at 2 weeks aging time at -8°C with an average size of 0.6 micrometers.  Efforts will be made to shorten the effective aging time.