Effects of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Heptane on the Surface Properties and CO2 Adsorption of Zeolite NaX

Zeolite X was synthesized by the gelation method for use as a CO₂ adsorbent. The zeolite was prepared from a sodium silicate solution and Al(OH )₃ as silicon and aluminum source, respectively. The effects of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB ) and heptane addition on surface properties, morphology, and CO₂ adsorption capacities were investigated. The CO₂ adsorption capacity of the synthesized zeolite with the addition of CTAB and heptane increased as demonstrated by the higher CO₂ uptake (3.00 mmol/g), which was due to the higher surface area and pore volume. Interaction between CTAB micelles and sodium cations with aluminosilicate anions led to an increase in the nucleation rate and smaller crystalline sizes. The addition of heptane resulted in higher positively charged CTAB micelles and improved the affinity between the micelles and aluminosilicate anions.