PEG400-modified EMT zeolite for acetone adsorption

Abstract

Zeolites with uniform pore structures and surface properties are potential adsorbents for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) adsorption. Although various zeolites have been researched for VOCs adsorption, the adsorption capacity still needs to be improved. In this work, EMT zeolite was synthesized and modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG400) as a high-capacity adsorbent for acetone purification. The structures of sorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Experimental results indicated that 0.6PEG-modified EMT zeolite with high specific surface area, large mesoporous volume, and more hydroxyl groups significantly improved the acetone adsorption property, which was 20.6% higher than pure EMT zeolite. The addition of PEG400 also enhanced the cyclic stability. The adsorption mechanism was further analyzed via adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics, which demonstrated the adsorption of acetone in EMT zeolite belonged to physical adsorption. Overall, PEG400-modified EMT zeolite presented the potential to be a promising candidate for efficient acetone adsorption in commercial applications.