Synthesis and studies of advanced adsorbent zeolites by using red mud and rice husk ash as a thermal insulation agent

Abstract

The advanced zeolite-based adsorbent for thermal insulating material is synthesized by using red mud and rice husk ash for sustainable waste management and energy-efficient building solutions. The process involves alkaline integration accompanied by a method with a step change in temperature. The synthesized zeolites were characterized by using all the standard techniques along with (thermal conductivity. The X-ray Diffraction analysis revealed key phases including gonnardite, jadeite, and albite, confirming the formation of zeolite structures that contribute to the material’s thermal insulating properties. The more porous nature of the material also confirms its properties as a thermally insulating material by microstructure analysis. The Infrared spectra also confirm the stretching and bending frequencies of the prepared material. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis confirms the pore size distribution which shows that the developed sample is highly porous. The results show a value of average pore volume of 0.019 cc/g, a pore width of 4.903 nm, a surface area of 10.564 m²/g, and BET area of 9.842 m²/g. The thermal conductivity of SET 3 is as low as 0.16 W/mK and proves that it is a thermal insulator. The synthesis of zeolites from industrial waste not only provides an environmentally friendly solution and responsible waste management but also meets the increasing demand for thermal insulating materials. The findings emphasize the dual role of red mud and rice husk ash in the production of zeolite-based thermal insulating materials with potential adsorption properties, contributing to sustainable waste management and energy-efficient building solutions.

Graphical abstract