Abstract

Natural clinoptilolite zeolite (CLP) in its original or metal ion- exchanged form (Ni2+) is a weak adsorbent for relatively large thiophene derivative molecules like benzothiophene (BT) and di-benzothiophene (DBT), due to its rather restricted micro-channel structure. A novelty of this work is that upon desilication treatments, it is possible to enhance the adsorption behavior of Ni2+-exchanged CLP for such large sulfur- containing molecules. A natural CLP zeolite has been desilicated using NaOH solutions in a concentration range of 0.2-2.0 M. The resulting powders have been subjected to XRF, XRD, FTIR, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, TEM and TGA analyses. The adsorption isotherms for the removal of thiophene (TP), BT, DBT and iso-propyl mercaptan (IPM) have been obtained experimentally at 20 °C from simulated liquid fuels using iso-octane as solvent. The sample treated with 1.5 M NaOH solution showed the most significant enhancement in adsorptive properties. The selectivity order is IPM > TP > BT > DBT. Regenerability tests show a quasi constant adsorption capacity after the first cycle. The observed phenomena have been thoroughly discussed based on the physico-chemical analyses of the samples.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.