Electrically activated zeolite for reducing seawater salinity

Abstract

We have electrically activated natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) to enhance the reduction ability of zeolite for seawater desalination. Activation was carried out using a voltage source of 8 V and 12 V for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. A salinometer is used to measure changes in seawater salinity after being treated with electrically activated zeolite. The salinity reduction value is expressed in percent reduction (η), which is measured every hour for 24 hours. Zeolite activated at a voltage of 8 V for 15 minutes was able to reduce seawater salinity by up to 5.7%. Zeolite activated at 12 V for 10 minutes was able to reduce salinity by up to 7.2%. Both values are higher compared to zeolite, which was thermally activated at 225 °C for 3 hours (4.8%). We have succeeded in increasing the adsorptivity of natural zeolite through a much shorter activation process with higher reduction efficiency compared to using thermal treatment, which takes up to 3 hours. Activation of zeolite using electric current can be a preferential option because it is carried out in an uncomplicated process in a brief time and does not involve the use of chemicals that have the potential to damage the environment.