Comparison of Y and ZSM-5 zeolite modified with magnetite nanoparticles in removal of hydrogen sulfide from air

Abstract

Modification of the adsorbent substrates surface with the aim of improving performance is an important field of study in toxic airborne contaminants removal. In the present study, the effect of adding magnetite nanoparticles to zeolite ZSM-5 and Y substrates was investigated. Hydrogen sulfide removal at high temperatures by the two substrates was compared, and magnetite nanoparticles with 3% and 5% weight ratio were loaded to ZSM-5 and Y zeolite substrates. Substrate properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, BET method, scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests. Then, hydrogen sulfide was prepared in concentrations of 30, 60, 90 and 120 ppm at temperatures of 100, 200 and 300 °C in a pilot system. The removal efficiency of the synthesized surfaces was measured. The results show that the Y substrate, compared to the ZSM-5% substrate, had more meso- and micropores which is a result of the loading of magnetite nanoparticles causing a reduction in their pores surface. Increasing the temperature and loading percentage of magnetite nanoparticles on both zeolite substrates also increased the breakthrough time (P ≤ 0.05). The highest adsorption capacity observed was for Y-magnetite-5% substrate at a 120 ppm concentration. The results also show that the higher porosity of the zeolite substrate plays a significant role in the removal ability of contaminants. Additionally, modification of the pores with magnetite nanoparticles can increase their efficiency in high-temperature hydrogen sulfide removal. It can be concluded that the modification of zeolite substrates with catalytic nanoparticles is a suitable method for the removal of similar pollutants.