The effect of metal ion exchange and alkali metal doping on the electrical conductivity of the Faujasite-type zeolite 13X
Zeolite 13X was synthesized in the sodium form. Some transition metal cations were introduced into the zeolite framework by ion exchange reactions. These different cationic zeolite forms were doped or impregnated with sodium metal, utilizing the adsorptive properties of the zeolite. An A.C. technique was used to determine the electrical conductivity of the dehydrated ion exchanged zeolites and the sodium impregnated zeolite samples as a function of temperature. The conductivity value obtained was used to determine some thermodynamic parameters relating to the conduction process. For the dehydrated ion exchanged zeolites the electrical conductivity showed a general decrease with a decreasing ion exchange capacity. The sodium impregnated zeolites showed an increase in conductivity with respect to the dehydrated unimpregnated samples. This was attributed to the presence of Na₆⁵+ centres in the impregnated zeolites. The reduction of some of the metal cations by the sodium on impregnation did not appear to have any significant effect on the overall ionic conductivity of the samples. The conductivity as a function of temperature and pressure for the dehydrated sodium form of zeolite 13X and its impregnated counterpart was determined. The conductivity was found to increase with increasing pressure and temperature.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations