Adsorption Characteristics of Natural Erionite, Clinoptilolite and Mordenite Zeolites from Mexico

Nitrogen sorption properties inherent to some natural zeolites from Mexico, such as erionites, clinoptilolites and mordenites, are determined and compared with corresponding sorption properties of homologous synthetic or acid modified forms. The mineralogies of natural zeolites are determined by X-ray analysis. N2 low-pressure hysteresis loops are displayed by some substrata while are absent in others; key factors for this phenomenon to occur are the micropore structure and the ion-exchange treatment to which the natural precursors are subjected. Argon sorption at 76 K on selected samples evidence further the strong adsorption and the pore blocking effects at pore necks in the zeolites.