Simulated Moon Agglutinates Obtained from Zeolite Precursor by Means of a Low-Cost and Scalable Synthesis Method

Abstract

A practical, inexpensive, and scalable synthesis method, based on the Fe2+ exchange of two commercial zeolites (i.e., Na-A and Na-X) followed by reductive thermal treatment at 1023 K, allowed obtaining nanocomposites where Fe0 nanoparticles are dispersed within an agglutinitic glassy matrix stemming from the amorphization of the zeolite precursor. The materials were characterized by means of atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction followed by Rietveld analysis, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms at 77 K, measurements of grain size distribution, magnetic properties measurements, broadband dielectric spectroscopy, and DC conductivity measurements. The physicochemical characterization showed that the final nanocomposites could be suitable as a new type of “simulated” Moon agglutinate, a component that is lacking in most of the current lunar regolith/soil simulants.