The zeolite Li-ABW was synthesized by fusion method using fly ash as raw material. It comprised alkaline fusion followed by hydrothermal treatment in LiOH center dot H2O medium. Crystallinity of zeolite as high as 97.8% was attained under the following conditions: LiOH center dot H2O concentration, 3 M; hydrothermal temperature, 180 degrees C; the corresponding aging time, 12 h. The content of Li-ABW increased at the expense of lithium aluminum silicate or quartz with an increase of LiOH center dot H2O concentration. With increasing hydrothermal temperature and aging time, the soluble species re-crystallized and crystalline phase transformation between different zeolites was observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed that the obtained zeolite Li-ABW was a rod-like crystal. The pore size distribution curve indicated the presence of mesopores. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.