Red mud as aluminium source for the synthesis of magnetic zeolite

Zeolite synthesis typically requires batch systems (precursor mixture) in which aluminate and silicate solutions are first mixed and then subjected to hydrothermal treatment. In this study, FAU and GIS types zeolite with wool ball-like morphology were synthesized using colloidal silica and red mud as an alternative aluminium source. The addition of aluminium powder to the precursor mixture composed by colloidal silica and red mud resulted in the crystallization of pure GIS-type zeolite with a cactus-like morphology. The crystalline products (GIS and FAU zeolites) were thoroughly characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption. In addition, the magnetic properties of the zeolites were studied since the red mud used as aluminium source is mainly containing a mixture of magnetic iron-based oxides. The magnetic zeolites will be further considered for wastewater treatment, as they can be easily separated using an external magnetic field.