Thermodynamic investigations of zeolites NaX and NaY

Understanding of the thermodynamic stability of zeolites is important in the prediction of thermodynamic equilibrium. Therefore, we have undertaken an investigation of the thermodynamic stability of the zeolites NaX and NaY through heat capacity measurements from ca. 30 to 300 K. No phase transitions were observed, and zeolite NaX does not show a significant particle size effect when the particle size is reduced to ca. 30 nm. The results show that the specific heat capacity increases with the Al content in the zeolite. Both NaX and NaY are found to be thermodynamically stable with respect to their elements because of enthalpic stabilization and with slight entropic destabilization. These data are used along with literature data for many other zeolitic materials to show that the thermodynamic stability of zeolites is enhanced with increasing aluminum content. Key words: zeolite, heat capacity, thermodynamic stability, nano effects.