Abstract
This study focuses on a comparison of alkali-activated materials based on natural zeolites without and with the addition of blast furnace slag and their subsequent modification by acid leaching. The addition of slag to alkali-activated mixtures is generally used to increase the strength. The subsequent modification of its chemical, textural and mechanical properties by acid leaching makes this material usable in other industries, especially in the chemical industry. This study aimed to examine the influence of the addition of blast furnace slag to alkali-activated mixtures based on natural zeolites and observe the effect of subsequent acid leaching on the chemical, textural and mechanical properties and CO2 adsorption capacity of these materials. The modification of alkali-activated materials was carried out by acid leaching using 0.1 M HCl and then using 3 M HCl. The properties of these materials were determined using N2 physisorption, Hg porosimetry, XRF, XRD, DRIFT, TGA and strength measurements. The results showed that the addition of blast furnace slag significantly increased the cutting-edge strength of the obtained materials and affected the textural properties, especially in leached samples. The presence of blast furnace slag generated a higher proportion of mesopores, which are attributed to the presence of the calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) phase and are easily removed by leaching, as shown by the XRF results. The obtained data showed an improvement in properties and extension of the potential applicability of these materials in the chemical industry, especially for catalytic and adsorption applications.
Highlights
For inorganic materials, which are widely used in industry as catalysts, supports and adsorbents, their textural, chemical, mechanical and sorption properties are important [1]
Powdered natural zeolite ECO 50 (CLI) containing at least 85% clinoptilolite purchased from Zeocem a.s., Bystré, Slovakia and blast furnace slag Zeoslag 20 (Zeocem a.s., Bystré, Slovakia), which is a mixture of slag and natural zeolite, were used for sample preparation
The foams prepared by alkaline activation of Zeoslag had the highest Ca and Mg content compared to the other AA foams
Summary
For inorganic materials, which are widely used in industry as catalysts, supports and adsorbents, their textural (surface, porosity), chemical, mechanical and sorption properties are important [1]. Among these inorganic materials, synthetic zeolites are used, which are of high purity, possess high surface area and have a well-ordered porous structure. The primary building units of zeolites are SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra linked with other tetrahedrons (secondary building units) by sharing of the 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms [4,6] These unique structural properties are the basis for their microporous structure and exceptional ion exchange and sorption properties [3,5]. Clinoptilolite is a promising material in catalytic applications, especially after its activation and modification
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
