Quick Activation of Optimized Zeolites with Microwave Heating and Utilization of Zeolites for Reusable Desiccant

Abstract

Effectiveness of microwave heating in an activation treatment of zeolites was studied and utilization of zeolites for reusable desiccant was examined. X zeolite was chosen as a target material for its large adsorption capacity. Na-X zeolite easily caused a thermal runaway by microwave radiation of 500 W but Ca contained X zeolite merely reached ca. 573 K under the same conditions. Mixtures of Na-X and Ca-X with suitably mixed ratios did not cause the thermal runaway and their heating temperatures were controlled (>573 K) at will. Under the most suitable conditions, the mixture reached a dehydration degree of 92%. A degradation degree of adsorptive capacity of the mixture for water was examined after three treatments. The average degradation degree was 1.5% per treatment. The heating method is promising as a quick and easy technique to activate zeolite. By applying the method, the zeolites with suitable mixing ratios are usable as a reusable desiccant for home use.