Preparation of Nickel-Grafted Zeolite From a Local Mineral Ore and Studying Their Catalytic Properties

Abstract

The study encompasses an investigation of a local natural mineral material found in the Nimrud region/Ibrahim Al-Khalil village (40 km southeast of Mosul city). This is achieved through chemical analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify its various elemental components. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction (XRD) is employed to determine the percentage ratios of clay minerals (natural zeolites) and nonclay minerals comprising the natural mineral ore. The natural zeolite is then selectively concentrated by removing carbonates, iron, and reactive silica (amorphous silica) followed by impregnation with nickel using the compound Ni(NO₃)₂.6H₂O. The properties and characteristics of the prepared zeolites (impregnated and nonimpregnated) are investigated using XRF, XRD, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis reveals its compliance with both chemical and crystalline specifications of zeolites, in addition to good surface area, selective porous channels, and thermal stability.