Synthesis and characterization of zeolite-Y using Ficus exasperata leaf: A preliminary study J.A. Oyebanji a, * , P.O. Okekunle b , O.S.I. Fayomi c a Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria b Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria c Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria ARTICLE INFO Keywords: Zeolite-Y Catalyst Ficus exasperata leaf Constituent Hydrocarbon ABSTRACT In this study, Ficus exasperata (Fe) leaf (sand paper leaf) raw sample was characterized using proximate and ul- timate analysis and the ash was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRF analysis showed that Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) and Silica (SiO 2 ) were 6.50% and 67.50%, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed high presence of silica (42.40%), alumina (15.00%) and Oxygen (20.80%). FTIR unveiled peaks with zeolite-Y pat- terns. SEM analysis indicates good surface morphology and hexagonal shaped crystal lattice in comparison with commercial zeolite-Y. 1. Introduction Zeolites are aluminosilicates group materials that have pores, crys- talline structure and microporous with alkaline earth metals. SiO 4 and AlO 4 tetrahedral are the frameworks composition to form different open structures which are similar to zeolite type MFI (ZSM-5) and ZSM-11 zeolites, which are widely used as catalysts, adsorbents, pH balance and ion exchangers [1–4]. Interestingly, these compounds are signifi- cantly efficient as catalysts in chemical services [5]. Studies have shown that the framework structure with 235 types series has been approved with International Zeolite Association (IZA). St. Claire-Deville carried out zeolite synthesis in 1862 and in 1948, Barrer’s pioneering work demonstrated that aluminosilicate gels are the sources of a wide range zeolites synthesis [6–10]. Considering the homogeneity of chemical constituents, higher stability and higher activity in catalytic fluid cracking [11,12], synthetic zeolites are used commercially more than naturally synthesized zeolites. Preparations using silica and alumina as a source are often expensive with extreme waste and release of unpleasant smell to the surrounding. Preparation of nano-crystalline zeolites catalyst has been the worldwide focus in order to replace conventional catalysts due to higher stability, pronounced potential in many fields and higher activity in many applications, such as in fluid catalytic cracking [13]. However, researchers have explored the use of local materials and agri- cultural residues as sources to extract silica and alumina for the production of zeolite due to their low cost of production and eco-friendliness [14,15]. Alternatively, isolation of agro-residues, including Ficus exasperata leaf can be used as an aluminosilicate source for zeolite synthesis. Cordeiro et al. [16] characterized bagasse ash and reported that its iron oxide, alumina and silica contents were 3.610, 8.550 and 78.340%, respectively. Amin [17] reported lime, iron oxide, alumina and silica of 2.54, 4.90, 3.60 and 87.40%, respectively. Srini- vasan and Sathiya [18] also characterized bagasse ash reported that its iron oxide, alumina and silica contents of 3.61, 8.55 and 78.34%, respectively. Maldonado-Bandala et al. [19] reported silica, alumina, iron oxide and lime contents of 70.5, 5.23, 3.24 and 4.19%, respectively while Gandhi [20] reported 60.26, 10.73, 5.03 and 8.35%. Furthermore, the work of Muazu [21] on bagasse ash characterization showed the percentage compositions of silica, alumina, iron oxide and lime were 57.95, 8.23, 3.96 and 4.52%, respectively. Ficus exasperata trees are usually about 20 m high with smooth grey bark and very rough leaves, and grow in lowlands and mountains. They are widely used in traditional medicine and palm oil production in Africa. The trees also have several other local uses; the leaves being employed as sandpaper; the plant has some insect repellent properties. Ficus exasper- ata has been used to provide shade in plantations and is planted as an avenue shade tree. In this work, Ficus exasperata leaf ash was charac- terized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) * Corresponding author. E-mail address: banjijoe@yahoo.com (J.A. Oyebanji). Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering journal homepage: www.editorialmanager.com/cscee/default.aspx https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100063 Received 12 June 2020; Received in revised form 23 November 2020; Accepted 26 November 2020 2666-0164/© 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 2 (2020) 100063