Synthesis of new mesostructured cellular foams (MCFs) with NaY zeolite and their application to sorption of thorium ions

The paper presents the new way of preparation of MCF foams with NaY zeolite. Significant changes in the amount of micro and mesopores in relation to the amount of NaY zeolite and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) added during the synthesis was observed. It suggests the possibility of controlling the micro/mesopores ratio by applying the proposed method. Environmental aspects of using new MCF/NaY foams is related to the adsorption of thorium ions (Th⁺⁴). The term of “MCF/NaY materials” refers to the general name of the material without referring to the content and state of zeolite. The obtained materials were highly effective in relation to Th⁺⁴. The adsorption capacity was greater when the number of micropores was lower. The dependence of adsorption capacity of Th⁺⁴ ions on aluminum atoms content was also confirmed.