Structural and sorption properties of copper doped natural and synthetic zeolite

In this study a comparison of structure, morphology and adsorption capacity between copper doped natural and synthetic zeolite is investigated. Synthetic zeolite A was synthesized from natural clinoptilolite as Si source and sodium aluminate as Al source. The comparative surface characterization of both copper doped natural and synthetic zeolites has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM)/ EDX analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The copper doped zeolitic materials were tested for potential application as adsorbent to decontaminate waters containing natural organic matter.