Synthetic zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicate minerals that are manufactured for a wide range of industrial applications. They have a porous structure with a well-defined arrangement of channels and cavities that make them useful as catalysts, adsorbents, and ion-exchange materials.
Synthetic zeolites are engineered versions of naturally occurring zeolites, developed to have specific properties suited for various applications. They are typically manufactured by hydrothermal synthesis, where a specific combination of alumina, silica, and other chemicals are reacted under controlled conditions to form the desired zeolite structure. The pore size, shape, and acidity of synthetic zeolites can be tailored during the synthesis process to meet the requirements of specific applications.
There are numerous types of synthetic zeolites, each with unique characteristics and applications. Some common types include Zeolite A, Zeolite X (NaX), Zeolite Y (NaY), ZSM-5 Zeolite, Beta and Mordenite zeolites.