Enhanced sulfate removal from aqueous solution using ion-exchanged clinoptilolite: A study on adsorption efficiency and process optimization

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Faculty of Chemical, Gas and Petroleum Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

Abstract

Zeolites such as clinoptilolite, a class of microporous crystalline materials, have gained significant attention thanks to their exceptional adsorption capabilities. This study explored the modification of clinoptilolite through an ion exchange process to boost its sulfate removal efficiency, a simple and cost-effective method. To optimize the adsorption process, the study evaluated the impact of temperature, time, and solution concentration on sulfate removal performance using the Response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicated that the maximum adsorption efficiency (81.79 %) was achieved at a temperature of 60 °C, a contact time of 3 h, and a solution concentration of 0.6 M. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to analyze the structural changes and performance of the modified clinoptilolite. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of modified clinoptilolite as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for sulfate removal, offering promising prospects for industrial water treatment applications.

Graphical Abstract

Enhanced sulfate removal from aqueous solution using ion-exchanged clinoptilolite: A study on adsorption efficiency and process optimization

Highlights

  • Clinoptilolite zeolite was prepared, and adsorption experiments were carried out for sulfate removal from water.
  • An efficient and economical process was introduced for ion exchange of clinoptilolite with high prospects for industrial applications.
  • Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the parameters of modification.
  • The modified clinoptilolite has an excellent removal effect on sulfate ions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by IROST.

References

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Journal of Particle Science and Technology
Volume 10, Issue 2
December 2024
Pages 73-86

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 06 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 13 November 2024

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