VALUATION OF BY-PRODUCTS FROM THE METALLIC SILICON INDUSTRY IN THE SYNTHESIS OF ZEOLITES
Zeolites. Industrial by-product. Alternative silica. Crystallinity. Circular economy.
This dissertation explores the valorization of a by-product from the silicon metal industry, supplied by LIASA, as a sustainable alternative to commercial silica for the synthesis of zeolites with technological potential. The by-product was characterized using various techniques (XRD, XRF, TG, FT-IR, SEM, and EDS), revealing an amorphous composition with high SiO₂ content. The experimental methodology involved the synthesis of zeolites of the LTA, FAU (NaX), mordenite, and MCM-22 types, following both standard procedures and routes incorporating the by-product as the silicon source. Kinetic studies were conducted to determine optimal crystallization conditions, indicating that the by-product performs comparably to commercial reagents. The results confirm the feasibility of replacing conventional silica sources with this industrial residue, fostering circular economy practices and supporting more sustainable processes in the field of porous materials