Low temperature single-step synthesis of zeolite Y coatings on aluminium substrates

Zeolite coatings prepared by in situ synthesis have been recently proposed as protective treatments for metal surfaces because of their non-toxicity, the high thermal stability and the ability to host useful extra-ions in their framework. In this study, zeolite Y coatings have been grown by direct synthesis on aluminium and stainless steel surfaces. We developed a new method for depositing zeolite Y on aluminium substrates by a single-step synthesis in presence of TEA (triethanolamine). The zeolite coatings have been evaluated by electrochemical tests in neutral (NaCl) and alkaline (Ca(OH)2) solutions demonstrating a good protective action, especially for aluminium. Although the direct involvement of zeolite coatings in the electrochemical processes was evident, the specific reactions that occur at the zeolite-electrolyte interface have yet to be investigated.