Radinka Journal of Science and Systematic Literature Review
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): Radinka Journal of Science and Systematic Literature Review

Green and Sustainable Zeolite Synthesis: A Review of Waste-Derived Feedstocks and Energy-Efficient Methods

Piyumi Wathsala Kumari (Department of Physical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka)
Pabasara Madhushan Abeweera (Department of Physical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

Conventional zeolite manufacturing incurs escalating environmental and economic costs driven by costly reagent-grade precursors, energy-intensive autoclaved heating, and organic structure-directing agents requiring high-temperature calcination, which collectively generate significant waste and emissions. To address these issues, zeolites—defined as crystalline microporous aluminosilicates with well-defined pore architectures that underpin their widespread industrial utility as catalysts, adsorbents, and ion exchangers—are the focus of recent advancements. This review critically examines green and sustainable synthesis by focusing on two interconnected strategies: waste-derived aluminosilicate feedstocks such as coal fly ash, volcanic ash, kaolin, and waste glass as sustainable silica and alumina sources; and energy-efficient synthesis routes including microwave-assisted, solvent-free, and seed-assisted methods that dramatically lower crystallization time and energy consumption. Furthermore, the review analyzes the vital roles of alkaline fusion pre-treatment, structure-directing agents, Si/Al ratios, and gel compositions in precisely controlling framework type and crystallinity under sustainable constraints. Ultimately, a comprehensive comparative assessment of all major synthesis routes is provided alongside future research directions aimed at achieving scalable, template-free, and waste-valorizing zeolite production.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

RJSLR

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Mathematics Public Health

Description

The Radinka Journal of Science and Systematic Literature Review (RJSLR) is a journal that focuses on research articles, reviews, and empirical research. This journal aims to facilitate research in all areas of life until the research articles and SLR method have been applied. The Radinka Journal of ...