Characterization and Utilization of Natural Zeolites in Technical Applications

Zeolites and zeolite rocks are commonly used in different industrial applications. Natural zeolites present an attractive material for environmental applications because of their high abundance, availability and low costs. Depending on geological settings and conditions during mineral formation, natural zeolite deposits usually represent a heterogeneous mixture of zeolite minerals together with varying amounts of gangue minerals (e. g. quartz, feldspars and phyllosilicates). Hence, profound mineralogical knowledge and a detailed characterization of natural zeolites are essential for tapping their full potential in any practical application. However, this is rarely done as detailed mineralogical characterizations are elaborate and often neglected in favour of bulk chemical analyses (e. g. XRF).
In this paper we describe typical technical applications for natural zeolites as well as the requirements demanded for their use. An analytical protocol has been developed for the detailed characterization of natural zeolites for ammonium exchange consisting of a combination of mineralogical and chemical methods and is exemplarily demonstrated. The methodology comprises mineralogical investigations with X‑ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microprobe analyses (EPMA) to provide qualitative data on mineral compositions and in-situ analysis of mineral chemistry (Si/Al-ratio, cation contents). The examinations are accompanied by bulk chemical analysis (XRF) as well as thermoanalytical investigations (TG/DSC) to distinguish between certain zeolite minerals. Finally, ion exchange experiments for ammonium have been carried out to determine the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of zeolite samples for a defined range of concentrations.
The aim of the study is to develop an analytical routine in order to enable the detailed characterization of natural zeolite samples with standardized means of mineralogical/chemical analysis prior to their application in technical processes. This is important for quality assurance and for identifying the best suited zeolites for specific technical processes, especially when the proposed applications are not standardized.