Sri Murda Niati
This study aims to synthesize zeolite from rice husk ash (Oryza sativa L.) as an ammonia (NH₃) adsorbent for eco-friendly cat litter applications. The hydrothermal method was used to produce zeolite from rice husk ash and aluminum hydroxide, varying the Na₂SiO₃:Al₂O₃ ratio. The synthesized zeolites were characterized physically and chemically through moisture content, ash content, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses. Ammonia adsorption efficiency was assessed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at initial concentrations from 5% to 25%. All zeolite variants succeeded in reducing ammonia content, with final filtrate concentrations increasing at higher initial levels. Zeolite 3 exhibited the most stable adsorption efficiency, ranging from 33% (at 5% initial NH₃) to 18% (at 25% NH₃), and was also the most crystalline with the lowest moisture and ash contents. These results indicate that synthetic zeolite derived from rice husk ash, particularly with the optimal ratio found in Zeolite 3, is highly suitable for use as an eco-friendly cat litter material, offering effective ammonia control and supporting sustainable agricultural waste utilization.