In this work, we study the structural response of MFI,
FAU and LTA type zeolite powders to the presence of cations
commonly found in sea salts including Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+.
Zeolite powders were exposed to seawater solution (3.8wt%
(TDS) ), and the structure of the zeolite powders was
characterized by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. The
results obtained from ion adsorption testing and synchrotron Xray
powder diffraction showed that the zeolites interacted with
monovalent and divalent cations, and these interactions altered
the crystal dimensions of the zeolites. The changes in structure
could possibly affect diffusion properties of these materials when
used as membranes for desalination.