Synthesis of sole cancrinite phase from raw muscovite: Characterization and optimization

Sole phase of cancrinite was synthesized for the first time from raw muscovite via NaOH activation followed by hydrothermal treatment. The effects of different experimental parameters including alkali concentration, crystallization time and temperature on the as-synthesized products were investigated. The raw and the as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The optimum hydrothermal treatment conditions to synthesize cancrinite were 1:2 muscovite/NaOH ratio, 250 °C for 72 h. Dissolution of Si and Al from muscovite followed by nucleation and precipitation of silicate, aluminate and aluminosilicate species from solution is the main mechanism of cancrinite growth.