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A Short Review on Sodium Aluminosilicates: Natural Sources, Synthesis, and Applications

Document Type : Short Review Article

Authors

1 Laboratory of Engineering Profile “Physical and Chemical Methods of Analysis”, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

2 Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Karaganda Industrial University, Temirtau, Kazakhstan

3 Department of Biology, Geography and Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

Abstract
This review presents contemporary perspectives on the nature, synthesis methods, and application areas of sodium aluminosilicates as one of the most in-demand classes of silicate materials. Geochemical mechanisms of the formation of sodium-containing aluminosilicates in magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary systems are considered, including pressure-induced structural transformations of amorphous phases, features of crystallization of minerals of the nepheline group, and the role of alkali elements in the evolution of the silicate network. Experimental and technological approaches to the synthesis of sodium aluminosilicates are summarized, ranging from geopolymerization and alkaline activation of technogenic wastes to thermal treatment of ashes, slags, and biomass. Special attention is paid to the mechanism of formation of sodium-aluminosilicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gels, the influence of activator composition, phase transformations, and the possibilities for controlling the structure and properties of the resulting materials. The review demonstrates a wide range of applications of sodium aluminosilicate systems, including construction and composite materials, sorption and catalytic processes, protective and functional coatings, water treatment, soil stabilization, and the utilization of technogenic wastes. Prospects for the development of energy-efficient technologies for producing sodium aluminosilicates from alternative raw materials are outlined, along with approaches to enhancing the durability, structural stability, and functionality of these materials for industrial and environmental applications.

Graphical Abstract

A Short Review on Sodium Aluminosilicates: Natural Sources, Synthesis, and Applications

Keywords

Subjects


Content

1. Introduction

2. Natural Sources of Sodium Aluminosilicates

2.1. Structural and coordination evolution of the aluminosilicate matrix in geological systems

2.2. Mineralogical analogies and the role of sodium in the geochemistry of aluminosilicates

2.3. Geochemical migration of alkali elements and the formation of Na-Al-Si phases

2.4. Technogenic analogues of natural aluminosilicates and their significance

3. Synthesis of Sodium Aluminosilicates

3.1. Alkaline activation of silicate raw materials and the role of sodium activators

3.2. Activation of technogenic raw materials and processing of industrial wastes

3.3. Durability of aluminosilicate systems and the effects of aggressive environments

3.4. Control of hydration, phase formation, and crystallization

3.5. Formation of porous, zeolitic, and highly structured sodium aluminosilicates

3.6. Synthesis of sodium aluminosilicates in multifunctional composites and catalytic systems

3.7. Synthesis of aluminosilicates from technogenic and biogenic raw materials

4. Applications of Sodium Aluminosilicates

4.1. Sorption, ion-exchange, and catalytic systems

4.2. Soil stabilization and engineering geochemistry

4.3. Environmental technologies: recycling, waste utilization, and environmental remediation

4.4. Next-generation construction systems and materials

4.5. Protective coatings, corrosion resistance, and interactions in saline environments

5. Conclusion

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 February 2026

  • Receive Date 25 November 2025
  • Revise Date 08 January 2026
  • Accept Date 30 January 2026