Controllable synthesis of sodalite submicron crystals and microspheres from palygorskite clay using a two-step approach

► Sodalite submicron crystals and microspheres were synthesized from palygorskite. ► Sodalite crystals were prepared at high NaOH concentration and SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio. ► Sodalite spheres were obtained at low NaOH concentration and SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio.