The Preparation and Characterization of an X-Type Zeolite Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to prepare an X-type zeolite, and identify it by IR. In this experiment, we will prepare the sodium form of an X-type zeolite. The general formula is:Mnx(AlO2)n(SiO2)192-n where n =77-96 and x= valence of M.By combining solutions of sodium silicate and sodium aluminate, and heating to 90.C for 2-4 hours, crystaline zeolite is formed. Structure of zeolite XProcedure:Preparation of Sodium Silicate1. Add 3.0 g of silica gel, 2.4 g NaOH, and 6 mL water to a 250 mL plastic beaker.2. Swirl mixture until dissolution is achieved.Preparation of Sodium Aluminate1. Add 6.92 g of aluminum isopropoxide, 2.4 g NaOH and 9 mL water to a 250 mL plastic beaker.2. Swirl mixture with heating 3. Cool to room temperature and add aluminate solution to silicate solution. 4. Add 27 mL water and stir until there is a homogenous mixture.5. Quickly, transfer to polypropylene screwcap bottle and place in oven at 90.C.6. After 2-4 hours, the mixture is cooled to room temperature, and the solution is neutralized by washing with water.7. Calculate the percent yield and take an IR. Data:Percent yield = (9.1061g of product/14.72g of Na silicate and aluminate) X 100% = 61.86% IR: We are concerned with the information in the mid- IR region only, because the absorbed water in the zeolite masks the OH region. At 1200- 400 cm-1 there are many bands associated with the different Si and Al tetrahedral vibrational nodes. It is evident that we had impurities, since the IR shows no bands in the region around 560, which is typical of zeolites and sodalites which both lack the double ring region. Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) Joseph Priestley was born at Fieldhead near Leeds, England. He was born to a clothesdresser, but at the age of seven, his parents died, and he was then raised by his aunt. It was here, that his Calvinist upbringing guided him in becoming a minister. After schooling, at the age of 22, Priestley practiced his ministry and taught classical languages and polite literature. During this period, he wrote several books, none on chemistry; but one entitled Chart on Biography , which made him famous. It also gave him the privilege of meeting eminent men. One such man was Benjamin Franklin, who Priestley was very fond of. Franklin had Priestley write a book for him on electricity. This was the beginning of Priestley's interests in science. In 1770, he was called to preach in Leeds. This is where Priestley (who now lived next to a brewery) became fascinated in chemistry. Priestley was greatly interested in the properties of the fixed air which lay over the surface of the liquid in the fermentation vats. Priestley's interests became focused upon this fixed air. In 1772, Priestley left the church to be a personal librarian to Lord Shelburne. Upon moving, Priestley continued to do experiments of fixed air obtained by chalk and acid. During this time, Priestley discovered a large number of aeriform bodies such as: nitric oxide, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, silicon fluoride, ammonium, nitrous oxide, and most meaningful to chemistry- oxygen. After leaving Lord Shelburne, Priestly did nothing further with chemistry. He resumed his ministry, but his obnoxious religious and political views provided him with many enemies. Two houses and his equipment were destroyed, and his life was endangered. Priestley then emigrated to America to join his three sons. It is here, where Joseph Priestley died at the age of 71 on February 6, 1804.

ReferencesBalkus, Kenneth J. The Preparation and Characterization of an X-Type Zeolite Journal of Chemical Education Vol.68, Number 10, Oct 91 Pgs. 875-877.Partington, J. R. A History of Chemistry, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1970.Thorpe, Sir Edward. History of Chemistry, London: Watts & Co. 1909.