Development and Characterization of Magadiitic Aluminosilcate Nanozeolite Adsorbent Using Magadi Salt from Lake Magadi, Kenya

Abstract

A Magadiitic Aluminosilicate nanozeolite (AP-05-02) was developed from Lake Magadi’s Magadi salt, Kenya, as a cost-effective water adsorbent, confirmed by XRD, EDX, FT-IR, XRF and SEM analysis to possess a porous aluminosilicate structure for water pollution reduction. Its aluminosilicate nature was verified by FT-IR analysis showing characteristic framework vibrations, and its chemical composition determined by XRF, revealed high SiO₂ (77.282 %), Al₂O₃ (12.400 %), and K₂O (7.469 %) contents, while SEM showed a rough surface with agglomerated particles and interconnected pores. The provided data described a nonparticulate material (around 21 nm) with a well-developed porous structure, characterized by a high surface area (285.88 m²/g BET, 895.80 m²/g, Langmuir), signifying total pore volume (0.231 cm³/g), notably high volume of micropores (0.242 cm³/g) and ultra-micropores (0.044 cm³/g). The pore distributions, including ultra-micropores suitable for molecular sieving and mesoporous average pore diameter (32.3–78.3 Å) adding to the material versatile adsorption capabilities and further will enhance its functionality in specific separation application.