Removal of Copper from Aqueous Solutions with Zeolites and Possible Treatment of Exhaust Materials

Abstract

AbstractThe mechanism of Cu2+ loading into commercially available natural HEU‐type and synthetic LTA‐type zeolites for their possible use in environmental processes, such as water and air treatment applications, was studied. Elemental analysis, SEM/EDXS, XRD, XAS and XPS analyses revealed 4‐fold coordination of Cu2+ cations with oxygen atoms in the pores, a predominant location of copper atoms on the surface of crystallites and retained crystallinity of zeolites throughout the processes. The post‐treatment of Cu2+‐loaded samples with HCl and/or NaCl solutions confirmed the predominantly reversible sorption of copper on zeolites from aqueous solutions by ion‐exchange mechanism and, therefore, excellent regeneration possibilities for both types of zeolites. Furthermore, with the calcination of exhaust metal‐loaded zeolites, catalysts for total toluene oxidation reaction, as a model VOC pollutant, were obtained.