Synthesis of ZSM-5 catalyst from coal fly ash and rice husk ash using non template method for the conversion of methane to methanol Available to Purchase

In this study, ZSM-5 catalyst was synthesized from coal fly ash as alumina and silica source and rice husk ash as an additional silica source using seeded ZSM-5 without adding any template. First, coal fly ash and rice husk were subjected to pre-treatment in order to extract silicate (SiO₄^4-) and aluminate (AlO₄^5-) and separate them from the impurities. Then the ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized through hydrothermal treatment using seed of ZSM-5 giving molar ratio 12 NaOH: 30 SiO₂: 0.75 Al₂O₃: 1800 H₂O. The as-synthesized ZSM-5(A) then was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Surface Area Analyzer. The results showed that the XRD pattern of as-synthesized ZSM-5 using non template method has an evidence of MFI (Mordenite Inverted Framework) structure with peaks at 2θ=8.161, 9.041, 23.249, 24.003, and 24.632^{o 0} indicative of successfully synthesized ZSM-5 structure. The SEM image showed the rough surface of hexagonal crystals from the ZSM-5 structure, indicative of mesoporosity in the structure. The N₂ isotherm adsorption exhibited a type IV H4 curve, which indicated the material has mesoporosity, and analysis showed the radius pore size of as-synthesized ZSM-5 is 9.41 nm. This confirms that the as-synthesized ZSM-5 has mesopore properties. This as-synthesized ZSM-5 then was impregnated with Fe₂O₃ to improve its catalytic activity towards methane conversion reaction. The result of the catalytic test, both of Fe-impregnated synthetic (Fe/ZSM-5(A)) and as-synthesized ZSM-5 (ZSM-5(A)) has potential for conversion of methane to methanol with a percentage yield of methanol are 10.04 % and 13.12 %.