Zeolite Synthesis Lab Report

To begin the first part of the experiment, zeolite and magnetized zeolite had to be synthesized. First, it was necessary to set up a contraption to hold a thermometer in place. This was done using a split cork and a 3 prong clam on a ring stand. 50 mL of 3.0 M NaOH was then added to a 250 mL beaker with a magnetic stir bar placed inside. After placing the solution on the stir bar, 3.7560 g of (sodium aluminate) was added to the solution. The thermometer was also added to the solution, but it was simply suspended in the solution as to ensure the thermometer did not touch the bottom of the beaker. As this solution heated and the sodium aluminate dissolved, 50 mL of distilled water was placed on an extra hot beaker. Once the water began to boil, 2.6478 g (sodium silicate) was added into the beaker with constant manual stirring …show more content…
After 60 minutes passed, the heat was turned off and the solution cooled for 5 minutes before dispensing equal amounts of the mixture into 2 centrifuge tubes. The lids were placed on both tubes after ensuring each tube had an equal amount of the suspension before placing them in the centrifuge. The tubes were then centrifuged for 10 minutes at 5000 rpm. The liquid from the tubes was then decanted into a waste container before adding an additional 10 mL. After placing the lids on the tubs, they were shaken and centrifuged again at the same time and rate. Once again, the liquid was decanted into the waste container, following the collection of the solid from the centrifuge tubes using a spatula. The product of these steps was a zeolite. The same exact steps were followed to produce magnetized zeolite (clay). The only difference was .78 g of and .39 g of were added to the beaker, after waiting 60 minutes and continual stirring of the solution. These salts were added, however, before the solution was