AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment)
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026)

Structural and Morphological Characterization of Zeolite X Synthesized from Sodium Silicate via a Microwave-Assisted Sol–Gel Method for Detergent Applications

Oktavia Eka Ardyanti (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sains and Engineering, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.)
Yuca Salzadilla Basori (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sains and Engineering, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia)
Sintha Soraya Santi (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sains and Engineering, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.)
Reva Edra Nugraha (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sains and Engineering, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia and Low Carbon Technologies Research Center, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa T)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Apr 2026

Abstract

X-zeolite is a faujasite-type zeolite widely applied in detergents. Its high ion-exchange capacity, organized pore structure, and environmentally friendly nature make it highly valuable. This study aims to synthesize Zeolite X using a microwave-assisted sol-gel method. Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3) serve as precursors. We determined optimal synthesis conditions using the Taguchi L25(53) method with the following variables: molar ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 (1-1.5), crystallisation time (5-25 min), and microwave power (120-700 W). Optimal conditions included a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 1.375, a crystallisation time of 5 min, and a microwave power of 250 W. Power consumption was 0.0208 kWh, and yield was 37.93%. FT-IR analysis showed characteristic absorption bands at 1011 cm-1 (Si-O-Si), 781 cm-1 (T-O-T), and 565 cm-1 (D6R ring). The XRD pattern displayed a faujasite phase with 83.90% crystallinity. SEM images revealed slightly irregular octahedral crystals, averaging about 8 ?m. These results suggest the method is economical and can produce Zeolite X for phosphate-free detergent formulations. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ajarcde

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Earth & Planetary Sciences Education Energy Environmental Science

Description

AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment) publishes papers on innovative applications, development of new technologies, and efficient solutions in agriculture, engineering, computing, economic, social, information technology, food, energy, and scientific ...