Overview
Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicate minerals with a 3D honeycomb framework of pores and cavities. Their uniform pore size (3–10 Å) enables selective adsorption based on molecular size and polarity, earning them the nickname 'molecular sieves.' Naturally occurring zeolites form from volcanic ash, while synthetic variants (e.g., Zeolite A, X, Y) are tailored for industrial use. Their versatility stems from ion-exchange capabilities and thermal stability up to 1000°C. Globally, zeolites are produced at scale for petrochemical refining, where they act as catalysts in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) to convert heavy oils into gasoline. Over 150 synthetic zeolite structures exist, each optimized for specific applications, from gas separation to nuclear waste containment.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Zeolites exhibit high surface areas (300–1,000 m²/g) due to their microporous structure. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio determines acidity and hydrophilicity: higher silica content increases hydrophobicity, useful for organic solvent drying. Their negative lattice charge balances cations (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺), which can be exchanged for heavy metals in water treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis shows zeolites retain structural integrity below 700°C, though dehydration occurs at 200–400°C. Unlike activated carbon, zeolites adsorb polar molecules (e.g., water, CO₂) preferentially. Type 4A zeolite (Na-form) excludes molecules larger than 4 Å, while 5A (Ca-form) adsorbs linear hydrocarbons in petroleum refining.
Main Applications
In refineries, zeolite Y catalysts crack hydrocarbon chains, boosting gasoline yields by 20–30%. Environmental uses include removing ammonium from wastewater (clinoptilolite) and capturing radioactive cesium/strontium (chabazite). As detergent builders, zeolite A replaces phosphates to soften water by trapping Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions. Gas separation relies on pore selectivity: 3A zeolite dehydrates ethanol, while 13X captures CO₂ from flue gas. Emerging applications include slow-release fertilizers (zeolite-loaded potassium) and methane storage for vehicles. In agriculture, clinoptilolite improves soil moisture retention and nutrient delivery.
Safety and Storage
Zeolites are classified as non-hazardous (OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ for respirable dust). Prolonged inhalation of fine powder may cause silicosis-like effects; use NIOSH-approved N95 masks during handling. Store in moisture-proof bags to prevent premature hydration, which reduces adsorption capacity. Spent zeolites contaminated with heavy metals require hazardous waste disposal. Regeneration involves calcination (500°C) or saline rinses (for ion-exchange forms). Note that acid exposure degrades the aluminosilicate framework, releasing aluminum ions.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should prioritize pore size, cation type (H⁺, Na⁺, etc.), and crush strength (≥30 N for fixed-bed reactors). For catalysis, specify BET surface area (>600 m²/g) and acid site density. Food/pharma grades require USP/EP compliance. Bulk pricing drops at 20+ ton orders; synthetic zeolites cost 3–5× more than natural ones. Supplier audits should verify activation protocols (e.g., thermal vs. chemical) and dust control measures. Long-term contracts with Chinese producers (e.g., Pingxiang Global Chemical) often include free regeneration services.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：蜂窝沸石、整体式蜂窝陶瓷蓄热体、板片式蜂窝陶瓷蓄热体、催化剂
- 主营：瓷球、陶粒滤料、铁碳填料、蜂窝沸石、塑料填料、陶瓷填料、金属填料、耐酸砖、氨水过滤器
- 主营：珍珠岩、夜光石、海泡石、火山石、云母粉、生石灰、彩砂、萤石粉、漂珠、硅藻土、铁粉、石英砂、蛭石、石棉绒、麦饭石球、复合岩片、生物质颗粒、配重铁砂、麦饭石、萤石矿、白沙子、发光石、夜光粉、重晶石粉
- 主营：絮凝剂、阳离子、pam洗砂、沸石、活性炭、石英砂、精炼渣、pam污水、高分子、阴离子、悬浮球、醋酸钠、火山岩、pam屠宰、pam油田、pam聚丙烯、打桩污泥、污水改造、洗沙污水、人工湿地、污水净火、城镇污水、宸泽环保、污水过滤、屠宰废水、地质公园
- 主营：脱氧剂、催化剂、分子筛、沸石吸附、干燥剂、吸附剂、钯触媒、voc吸附、活化粉、zsm-5分子筛、脱硫脱氨分子筛、贵金属催化剂、钯催化剂、酸性气体干燥、beta分子筛、钛硅催化剂、异构化催化剂、加氢催化剂、溶剂干燥分子筛、sapo-34、ssz-13、NaY
- 主营：双功能催化剂、分子筛催化剂、分子筛、分子筛活化粉、分子筛脱水剂、负载金属催化剂、金属脱氧剂、介孔材料、钯系催化剂、ZSM-5分子筛、Y型分子筛、多级孔分子筛、介孔分子筛、聚氨酯除水剂、加氢催化剂、分子筛吸附剂、异构化催化剂、环化反应催化剂、甲基化催化剂、吡啶合成催化剂
- 主营：Y型分子筛、钛硅分子筛、A型分子筛、沸石分子筛、ZSM-5分子筛、SSZ-13分子筛、β分子筛、超稳USY分子筛、VOCs吸附分子筛
- 主营：保温板、膨润土、珠光砂、沸石粉、降阻剂、珍珠岩、隔音砂浆、保温砂浆、水泥膨胀、磨料电话、抛光磨料、抹灰石膏、迪庆磨料、玻化微珠、砂带磨料、保温岩泥、保温管材、磨料定制、砂轮磨料、保温腻子、防火板、吸音板定制、润珠玻化微、轻质标准砖、果洛乳化沥青
- 主营：沸石催化剂、臭氧催化剂、臭氧催化填料
- 主营：3A分子筛、4A分子筛、5A分子筛、蜂窝沸石分子筛、沸石分子筛、方型沸石分子筛、天然沸石分子筛、天然沸石粉、斜发沸石粉、13X分子筛、13XAPG分子筛、XH-7分子筛、XH-9分子筛、钯A105催化剂、DG钯触媒催化剂、分子筛活化粉、氧化铝、催化剂、干燥剂、13x型分子筛、高质量碳分子筛、纳米分子筛、干燥剂分子筛、大颗粒分子筛、防爆分子筛
- 主营：云母碎、贝壳粉、芙蓉红、红外线、萤石球、石英粉、火山石、电气石、莫来砂、金云母、蛭石片、鹅卵石、雪花白、石英砂、杨木粉、保温海、萤石矿、起重机、目木粉、水洗砂、重铁砂、贝壳彩片、萤石粉、硅藻土
- 主营：蜂窝沸石分子筛、蜂窝活性炭、椰壳活性炭、粉末活性炭
- 主营：多孔沸石、沸石分子筛、新型催化剂、多孔状分子筛、贵金属催化剂
- 主营：49沸石、分子筛、催化剂、吸附剂
- 主营：三甲胺盐酸盐、3-氯丙基三氯硅烷、H酸单钠盐