Study on the Effect of Temperature on Potassium Uptake by Zeolite

Absorption of potassium ion selectively is a typical characteristic of zeolite. Potassium uptake is one of the important physical and chemical properties of zeolite, which is influenced by temperature. At present, the instruction about temperature in the test method of potassium uptake is not clearly defined, stated as room temperature only. However, room temperature is always changing with the season, hereby; the accuracy and precision of the test method are not guaranteed. This research discussed the effect of temperature on potassium uptake of zeolite in order to improve the test method on potassium uptake. It was found that there was a stable and fixed negative correlation between potassium uptake and temperature in a certain range of temperature (11.5-80℃ was researched in this article). The formula to calculate the potassium uptake is proposed to be E₂₀=E_t+k(t-t₂₀). According to this quantitative relationship, it is suggested that the result of potassium uptake should be pointed to yield at 20℃. If the room temperature differs from 20℃, it should be transferred to the result at 20℃ by using the temperature correction coefficient (k). This test method of potassium uptake can be taken at the actual room temperature, which can be done without equipment to control the temperature conveniently. It can avoid the influence of room temperature changing because of the difference of time and area, so that the accuracy and precision of the test method improves.