Synthesis of Zeolite A from Bangka Kaolin as a high-performance host for fluorescent compounds
Arif Rahman (a), Hanhan Dianhar (a), Agung Purwanto (a), Annisaa Endah Wijianti (a), Eny Kusrini (b), Y. Eko Adi Prasetyanto (c), Anwar Usman (d)

(a) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Rawamangun,
East Jakarta, Indonesia
(b)Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI,
Depok 16424, Indonesia
(c) Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jalan Pluit Utara no 2, Jakarta Utara, 14440, Indonesia
(d) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis of Zeolite A derived from Bangka kaolin and its potential application as a high-performance host material for luminescent compounds. The increasing demand for stable and efficient luminescent materials has encouraged the development of inorganic host matrices possessing high structural uniformity, thermal stability, and controlled porosity. In this work, Bangka kaolin was utilized as a low-cost and abundant aluminosilicate precursor for the preparation of Zeolite A through alkali activation followed by hydrothermal crystallization. The synthesized material was characterized to evaluate its crystal structure, phase purity, morphology, and textural properties relevant to luminescent applications. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the successful formation of highly crystalline Zeolite A with a well-defined cubic framework structure. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of characteristic aluminosilicate vibrations associated with the zeolitic framework, while scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform cubic crystal morphology with homogeneous particle distribution. The high structural regularity and ordered pore system of Zeolite A provide an effective microenvironment for the dispersion and stabilization of luminescent species, minimizing aggregation and improving optical performance. In addition, the framework stability and ion-exchange capability of Zeolite A make it a promising host matrix for incorporating luminescent ions or molecules. The results demonstrate that Bangka kaolin is a suitable raw material for the sustainable synthesis of high-quality Zeolite A and highlight the important role of structural uniformity in enhancing the performance of zeolite-based luminescent materials.

Keywords: Zeolite A, Kaolin, Host, Fluorescence

Topic: Material Physics