Nano Zeolite Research Articles

The Role of Nanozeolite and Biocapsule in Improving Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Low Chilling Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) Cv. HRMN-99 in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation was conducted at the Research farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, on 30-month-old plant during January 2021 to July 2021 with the objective to find out suitable treatment of Biocapsule and Nanozeolite with combination of NPK in relation to plant growth, yield and quality of apple. The statistical design adopted for the experiment was randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and nine treatment combinations. viz, T1 (NPK (RDF)), T2 (Biocapsule 500 ppm), T3 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm), T4 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm), T5 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm), T6 (NPK (RDF) + Biocapsule 500 ppm), T7 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm), T8 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm), T9 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm). The treatments were applied by soil drenching at initiation of experiment, pre-flowering stage and the last one at the fruit setting stage to assess the effect on growth, yield and quality of apple. The results of present investigation revealed that, the treatment T8 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm) outstand in all the aspects like Maximum plant height (2.8 m), Maximum number of Primary and Secondary branches (3), (28) respectively, maximum number of flower (319), maximum no. of fruit (63.6), maximum yield Plant-1(7.2 kg) and quality parameters like Maximum TSS (11.56 ºBrix) and Maximum acidity (0.71 %) followed by T9 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm). The lowest observation was recorded in T3 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm). Biocapsules and nano zeolite with combination of NPK played an important role in fixing the nutrients in soil and protecting the apple plant against pathogen effect. That’s why a positive response has to be seen in particular treatment during the research trail.

A polyurethane foam membrane filled with double cross-linked chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose gel and decorated with ZSM-5 nano zeolite: Simultaneous dye removal

A novel bio-based polyurethane foam was fabricated using double cross-linked chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose gel, filled with ZSM-5 nano zeolite, and hot-pressed into the membrane. The prepared foam membrane was characterized using FESEM, FTIR, BET, TGA, and pHZPC analyses and then used for continuous dye removal. The results modification of polyurethane foam with chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose gel and ZSM-5 nano zeolite would increase the retention ability of positive cationic methylene blue. Also, the foam could simultaneously remove methyl orange, eriochrome black T, and methylene blue from the binary and trinary solutions but could effectively be used to selectively removal methylene blue. In addition, the dye removal ability at the breakthrough was enhanced with decreasing flow rate, and increasing bed height, pH, initial dye concentration, and nano zeolite content in the foam. To describe the breakthrough curves different models were utilized which best fits were obtained with Modified Dose-Response as compared to Thomas, Adams & Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, and Wolborska models.

Nanotechnology: its scope in agriculture

The growth in human population is estimated to reach 9.8 billion by mid-2050. To meet the food requirements, reducing the judicious use of fertilizers, agrochemicals and their impact on environment, soil, water, humans and the surrounding biodiversity we have to shift towards sustainable methods. Nanotechnology is one such technology that will help in crop production by improving the input use efficiency by minimizing their losses, site-specific, controlled delivery of fertilizers or agrochemical as per the requirement, increases shelf life, efficiency of the agrochemicals and reduces their recommended dosage. Nanoparticles are organic, inorganic or hybrid materials whose dimensions may range from 1 to 100 nm. Nanosensors can detect environmental stress and enhance the plant’s ability to combat diseases, used in automation of irrigation; it is a rapid and accurate tool to detect insect and pest, which helps in timely application of agrochemicals. Nano-iron fertilizer was found to improve essential oil content, nano-zinc and boron fertilizers improved fruit yield and quality, nano zeolite can sustain the nutrients in the soil for long term and it enhance germination and plant growth. As nanoparticles enhances growth, they aid in early maturity of the crop, improves the plant’s ability to tolerate stresses, hence they are effective tools in drought and flood-prone areas, they detoxify harmful pollutants especially heavy metals, pesticide residues. As nanoparticles have greater persistence, they may have long-term effect on plants, humans and also environment, but it has less impact than that of the normal agrochemicals. Advanced research is required to conclude in this aspect.

Management and removal of nitrate contamination of water at the source using modified natural nano zeolite

Nitrate is a hazardous substance for human health, the removal of which is an important environmental priority. Therefore, in this study, first, the sources of nitrate pollution of water were investigated, then the structure, role, and application of nanozeolites for the removal of nitrate ions were studied by the analytical method. Also, the presentation of management solutions, identification of polluting industrial sectors, different methods of removal and fabrication of ZSM-5/Fe/Ni nanosorbents, and the determination of optimal conditions for nitrate removal were investigated by experimental design software and graphical analysis of effective parameters. The results of graphical analysis of laboratory method showed us, the highest nitrate removal efficiency at a residence time of 150 minutes, pH 3, 4 g L-1 adsorbent, and 40 mg L-1 nitrate were achieved (%RE:91.5-97.4). Experimental results indicate the high efficiency, absorption capacity, and effectiveness of ZSM-5/Fe/Ni adsorbents for nitrate removal in waters. Finally, the absorbance values or nitrate concentrations between 20-120 mg L-1 were measured by the UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The maximum absorption capacity of ZSM-5/Fe/Ni adsorbents for nitrate was obtained 136.7 mg g-1. The developed method based on a novel ZSM-5/Fe/Ni adsorbents has many advantages such as simple, low cost, high efficiency, and favorite recovery.

Nanozeolite-Impregnated Polysulfone/Polyethylene Glycol Nanocomposite Membrane for Ion Adsorption Application

Polysulfone (PSf) is a high-performance polymer often used in water treatment applications. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Nanozeolite (NZ) were used as additives to improve the membrane’s porosity, chemistry, and overall performance in ion adsorption. PSf, PSf with PEG, and PSf with PEG and varying concentrations of Nanozeolite were prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) and tested using: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for the surface morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for the chemical composition, Contact Angle Goniometer for the wettability, Zeta Potential for the stability, and conductivity test through salt-water bath for ion adsorption application.

Enhancing the Quality of Patchouli Oil using Zeolite and Bentonite Nano-Particle Adsorbents

The overall quality of patchouli oil is closely related to the purification process during manufacturing. This research provided an effective and efficient method for purifying Aceh patchouli oil to secure high-quality patchouli oil. Purification was done by utilizing natural mineral sources that were sufficiently available in Aceh and applying them in various adsorption processes, analyzing the adsorption of Fe levels in patchouli oil, and characterizing nano adsorbents used in the adsorption process. Nanoparticles of zeolite and bentonite were used during the adsorption process with patchouli oil sourced from the South Aceh area. The adsorption process purified 20 mL of patchouli oil at a temperature of 45 ℃ with variable mass nano adsorbent 1; 3; 5 g, and variable stirring time 60; 180; 300 minutes. The purification filtrate was later analyzed for patchouli alcohol levels using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fe levels using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. The characterization of nano adsorbents was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffractometry (XRD). The results showed that the most efficient adsorption process occurred in nano zeolite with a mass of 5 g and a stirring time of 300 minutes, where the patchouli alcohol content was 28.54%, Fe 0.8165 mg/kg. Meanwhile, nano zeolite’s most significant constituent components were silicon oxide (SiO2) of 48.9% and silicon carbide (CSi) of 31.3%. Visually the sample did not change color due to the low quality of patchouli oil, but the Fe level in the patchouli oil samples complied with SNI 06-2385-2006 with a maximum of 25 mg/kg. In addition, nano zeolite had an adsorption capacity of 0.96 mg/g with an adsorption efficiency of 98.49%.

A Novel Synthetic Nano-Catalyst (Ag2O3/Zeolite) for High Quality of Light Naphtha by Batch Oxidative Desulfurization Reactor

Oxidative desulfurization process (ODS), enhanced with a novel metal oxide (Ag ions) as an active component over nano-zeolite that has not been reported in the literature, is used here to improve the fuel quality by removing mercaptan (as a model sulfur compound in the light naphtha). Nano-crystalline (nano-support (Nano-zeolite)) composite is prepared by Incipient Wetness Impregnation method loaded with a metal salt to obtain 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of Ag2O3 over Nano-zeolite. The new homemade nano-catalysts (Ag2O3/Nano-zeolite) prepared are characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) (surface area, pore volume and pore size), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The ODS process is then used to evaluate the performance of the catalysts for the removal of sulfur at different reaction temperatures (80–140 °C) and reaction times (30–50 min) in a batch reactor using the air as oxidant. 87.4% of sulfur removal has been achieved using 1% silver oxide loaded on Nano zeolite (1% of Ag2O3/Nano-zeolite) giving a clear indication that our newly designed catalyst is highly efficient catalyst in the removal of sulfur compound (mercaptan) from naphtha. A new mechanism of chemical reaction for sulfur removal by oxygen using the new homemade catalyst (Ag2O3/Nano-zeolite) prepared has been suggested in this study. The best kinetic model parameters of the relevant reactions are also estimated in this study using pseudo first order technique based on the experimental results. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER DESIGN FOR NANO ZEOLITE PRODUCTION PROCESS

Heat exchangers are often found in the chemical process industry, but of all types of heat exchangers, the Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (STHE) is the most commonly used. The design of heat exchangers has also been done a lot because it can reduce production costs. Therefore, this study purpose to design a tube and shell type heat exchanger for applications in producing nano zeolite. The TEMA standard is used as a reference for data collection regarding equipment specifications and dimensions. The parameters are calculated using basic Microsoft Office applications. Shell and Tube type heat exchanger (one pass) with 43 pcs of tubes has been successfully designed. The effectiveness of the heat exchanger reaches 80.02% so it is hoped that this research can be used as a reference in designing a heat exchanger with a better design.

Study on different nano fertilizers influencing the growth, proximate composition and antioxidant properties of strawberry fruits

The benefits of using nano fertilizers in agriculture have previously been demonstrated. However, the comparative study on the effectiveness of different nano fertilizers and their application methods are very limited. Therefore, our study was to investigate the effects of soil-applied nano zeolite (NZS), foliar and soil-applied hybrid nanocomposite (HNCSF), and combined application of foliar-applied HNC and soil-applied NZ, together [HNCF + NZS] on the growth, proximate composition, and antioxidant properties of strawberries. Our current study revealed that the growth parameters were significantly improved with the NZS treatment except for chlorophyll contents as compared to HNCSF and [HNCF + NZS]. However, the proximate composition was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by HNCSF in terms of ash, protein and fat, while the carbohydrate and energy were enhanced by [HNCF + NZS]. The vitamin A and minerals contents were significantly increased with the incorporation of HNCF with NZS, [HNCF + NZS]. Similarly, the antioxidant properties were also increased by the [HNCF + NZS] treatment. Though, all the nonfertilizer had several effects on different parameters in terms of growth and nutritional properties, however, this study would like to demonstrate the [HNCF + NZS] as a potential fertilizer for its overall diverse properties in agricultural production and nutritional value addition.

Nano Fertilizer on Sustainable Agriculture- A Review

With an increment of population day by day the agriculture sector is facing a big issue with the production and the economics of production as well. In this scenario adoption of more efficient tools which could mitigate the drawbacks and led the agriculture in a sustainable way is the need of the hour. The application of nanotechnology in agriculture and forestry will help the environment to retain its biodiversity [1]. Nano fertilizers are synthesized or modified form of traditional fertilizers, fertilizers bulk materials or extracted from different vegetative or reproductive parts of the plant by different chemical, physical, mechanical or biological methods with the help of nanotechnology used to improve soil fertility, productivity and quality of agricultural produces [2].&#x0D; In this particular scenario adoption of labour saving and well advanced technologies is badly needed. This could be mitigated by a eco-friendly technology of Nano-science [3]. Nano fertilizers can control nutrient release and give the proper amount of nutrients to crops in the right proportions, boosting yield while maintaining environmental safety [4]. A report by Dwairi [5] proposed that urea-impregnated zeolite may be utilised as a slow-release fertiliser, releasing nitrogen slowly and steadily from Nano zeolite. Zinc is one of the commonly deficient micronutrient in soil [6]. Chlorophyll formation, fertilisation, pollen function, and auxin synthesis all need zinc-containing nanomaterials. Zn is one of the elements that defend plants from drought conditions. [7]. A research by Raliya and Tarafdar in 2013 [8] showed that zinc oxide, Nano Particles were shown to improve chlorophyll content, protein synthesis, rhizospheric microbial activity, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and phytase activity in a cluster bean rhizosphere. Copper has characteristics of first transported to shoot and then re translocated into root [9]. An experiment on moong bean (Vigna radiata) and wheat revealed that nano copper could penetrate cell membrane and conglomerate thereafter. Moong bean was found to be more sensitive regarding the toxicity of nano copper than wheat [10], (Rico et al. 2011)

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of Dietary Supplementation of Both Natural or Nano-Zeolite in Goat Diets: Effects on Ruminal Fermentation and Nutrients Digestibility.

Simple SummaryIncreasing fibrous feed digestibility while reducing methane (CH4) emission through manipulating rumen fermentation patterns to improve animal performance is the most critical challenge in the animal nutrition field. Nanotechnology has revolutionized the commercial application of nano-sized minerals in medicine, engineering, information, environmental technology, pigments, food, electronics appliances, biological and pharmaceutical applications, and many more. Therefore, animal nutrition scientists also resorted to using minerals and clays such as zeolite with different forms in feeding animals and evaluate this additive in animal performance. The natural zeolite clay is known for its high cation exchange capacity and adsorption characteristics that can modify ruminal fluid viscosity and binding capacity with ammonia (NH3-N). After evaluating the addition of zeolite in vivo and in vitro, results indicated that zeolite (natural and nano forms) maintained rumen pH, increased protozoa numbers, and improved propionate production. Medium supplementation level of the natural form of zeolite at 20 g/kg dry matter (DM) was the most efficient dose in reducing CH4 production, while the zeolite nano-form supplemented at 0.4 g/kg DM was the most effective dose in improving the organic matter (OM) degradability and reducing the NH3-N concentration compared to the control.This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo dietary supplementation with different levels of natural or nano-zeolite forms on rumen fermentation patterns and nutrient digestibility. In the in vitro experiment, a basal diet (50% concentrate: 50% forage) was incubated without additives (control) and with natural zeolite (10, 20, 30 g/kg DM) or nano-zeolite (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg DM) for 24 h to assess their effect on ruminal fermentation, feed degradability, and gas and methane production using a semi-automatic system of in vitro gas production (GP). The most effective doses obtained from the in vitro experiment were evaluated in vivo using 30 Barki goats (26 ± 0.9 SE kg body weight). Goats were allocated into three dietary treatments (n = 10/treatment) as follows: control (basal diet without any supplementations), natural zeolite (20 g/kg DM diet), and nano-zeolite (0.40 g/kg DM diet). The in vitro results revealed that only the nano-zeolite supplementation form quadratically (p = 0.004) increased GP, and the level of 0.5 g/kg DM had the highest GP value compared to the control. Both zeolite forms affected the CH4 production, linear, and quadratic reductions (p < 0.05) in CH4 (mL/g DM), consistent with linear increases in truly degraded organic matter (TDOM) (p = 0.09), and propionate molar proportions (p = 0.007) were observed by nano zeolite treatment, while the natural form of zeolite resulted in a linear CH4 reduction consistent with a linear decrease (p = 0.004) in NH3-N, linear increases in TDOM (p = 0.09), and propionate molar proportions (p = 0.004). Results of the in vivo experiment demonstrated that the nutrient digestibility was similar among all treatments. Nano zeolite enhanced (p < 0.05) the total short-chain fatty acids and butyrate concentrations, while both zeolite forms decreased (p < 0.001) NH3-N compared to the control. These results suggested that both zeolite supplementation forms favorably modified the rumen fermentation in different patterns.

Pine needles lignocellulosic ethylene scavenging paper impregnated with nanozeolite for active packaging applications

The pines needle falls approximately 2–3 ha−1 year−1 on the forest floors resulting in a considerable amount of lignocellulosic biowaste. The present study aimed to develop pine needles based lignocellulosic active paper and investigate the effect of 5, 20, and 30% (v/w) nano zeolite addition on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural property of the papers. The developed papers were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. As the zeolite concentration was increased from 5% to 30% in the paper, enhanced water permeability was seen from 5.18 ± 0.34 - 3.88 ± 0.33 g/cm2/day (PN/ZL 30% paper). The addition of 5% zeolite increased the tensile and burst strength from 19.53 ± 3.53 Nm/g and 3.63 ± 0.23 kg/cm2, respectively. The porosity was increased from 340 ± 20 to 1170 ± 60, and Cobb value increased from 338.3 ± 1.5- 406.7 ± 1.5 g/m2. The alterations in terms of surface microstructure in the paper with 20, 30% zeolite were noticed whereas XRD illustrated the high compatibility among the lignocellulosic network of pines and zeolite. The pine needle paper with 30% zeolite possessed remarkable ethylene scavenging properties (62%), opening a way to valorize pine needle waste for food packaging application.

Indigenous development of single screw conveying machine for pyrolysis of waste plastics using nano zeolite particles in fixed bed reactor

ABSTRACT In the current economic growth, the development of energy from sustainable resources plays a vital role in saving of fossil energy like hydrocarbons, methane extraction, crude oil and other natural resources. In this present work, a new method has been developed to prepare liquified fuels from waste LDPE with improved yield. Single screw conveying machine is attached with pyrolysis setup was designed and fabricated to mix plastic wastes with nano zeolite particle catalyst using various proportions such as 8, 10,12 and 14 wt.%. The distribution of nano zeolite particle with waste plastics was found to be uniform, which increases the heat transfer rate, pyrolysis temperature and lower the reaction rate with an improved pyrolytic oil yield of 7% compared with normal pyrolysis setup. The FT-IR results of prepared oil show clear peaks of carbon and oxidising agent chemical bonds in all liquid oil samples and also, alkanes present in the oil are confirmed with the GC-MS results. The liquid oil has a higher heating value range of 9830–9860 kCal/kg, which is close to conventional diesel heating value.

Comparative study on the catalytic behaviors of zeolites with different diffusion limitation in ethane aromatization

The design of zeolite-based catalysts with reduced diffusion limitation has attracted much attention for the enhanced activity and stability in light alkane aromatization. Here we employed three types of zeolite-based catalysts including micron zeolite, solid nano zeolite, and hollow zeolite with nano size to investigate the effects of diffusion length and pore structure of zeolites on their mass transport efficiency and catalytic performance during ethane aromatization. It was indicated that the shortened diffusion length and increased mesoporosity of Zn/hollow-HZSM-5 endow it with substantial improvement in mass transport, leading to enhanced accessibility to active acid sites and rapid escape of formed lighter aromatics rather than further polymerization to form coke. Contrarily, the solid micron zeolites with long diffusion path experience strong diffusion limitation, which extends the contact time of reactants and products with the active acid sites within zeolites thus resulting in severe coke deactivation. After being subjected to ethane aromatization for 400 min, the aromatics selectivity toward Zn/hollow-HZSM-5 catalyst retained 50%, which is almost threefold with respect to that of the solid Zn/micro-HZSM-5 and Zn/nano-HZSM-5. Based on the Thiele modulus, it can be suggested that shortening diffusion length and introducing mesopores into zeolites can effectively alleviate diffusion resistance, then enhance their catalytic activity and stability toward ethane aromatization.

Design and development of single screw conveying machine for pyrolysis of waste plastics using nano zeolite particles in fixed bed reactor

In the present economic growth, the energy produced from sustainable resources plays a vital role rather than from non-renewable energy resources. There are many alternative sustainable energy resources available for energy development, such as biomass, hydropower, and wind energy. Another interest in current research is the conversion of waste plastic material into liquefied fuel. The use of plastic materials implies high demand and causes depletion of natural resources. Moreover, tons of used plastic materials are ending up in the oceans, landfill or open burning causes pollution. So, a suitable waste management strategy implies controlling or reduce the pollution causing the environment. In this present work, a new method has been addressed to extract liquefied fuels from waste LDPE plastics. A single screw conveying machine setup is fabricated to mix the shredded waste plastics with Nano zeolite catalyst. The various weight percentage of plastic material and zeolite catalyst is mixed and subject to pyrolysis process. The distribution of nano zeolite catalyst with the plastic wastes was found to be even, which leads to improved heat transfer rate, pyrolysis temperature, and reduced reaction time also produces a higher pyrolytic oil yield of 7%. The FT-IR results of extracted pyrolytic oil outcomes showed clear peaks of carbon and oxidizing agent chemical bonds in all liquid oil samples also alkanes present in the oil are confirmed with the GC–MS results. The liquid oil has a higher heating value range of 9820–9860 Kcal/kg, which is close to the standard diesel fuel heating value.

Review on Agro-Based Nanotechnology through Plant-Derived Green Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Application and Challenges

Technologies developed in the field of nanoparticles have replaced the use of chemical to eco-friendly green nanoparticle. The nanoparticle sysnthesis can be attained by top-down and bottom-up methods. The source of nano-paerticle synthesis can be acheived by green plant wastes and microorganisms. This becomes a major solution for the defects of conventional nanoparticles developed by chemical synthesis and it can be substuituted for agriculture field for different application like fertilzer, pesticides, etc. It is important to mention that nanoparticles have considerably increased the production in agriculture. The physiological and biological improvements in plants by the application of nanoparticles based on metals or carbon can be enhanced by advanced techniques of testing and implementation. Metal, metal oxide, composite and polymeric nanoparticles are applied to plants through various modes to increase the crop yield and protect from pathogenic attack for not to risk the crop life-span. Recently usage of nano zeolite in the field of agriculture potentially improves its yield. This review gives a brief introduction about the nanoparticles and its various synthesis methods applied in various fields of agriculture to increase production capacities. Also, it elaborate the application and challenges that carried in application in agricultural field.

Experimental Evaluation of the Performance of Fresh Nano Zeolite as an Oil Well Cement Additive

Cementing oil and gas wells require materials that, not only meet performance standards but also fairly different from those encountered in conventional processes. The search for alternative materials for cementing oil wells has increased worldwide. It is desirable that these alternative materials make cement sheath stronger, durable, flexible, cost-effective and more resistant to shocks. This research aimed at evaluating the performance of fresh nano zeolite as an additive for shallow oil well cementing operations. Laboratory tests were conducted on a base cement slurry mixed with different concentrations of fresh nano zeolite from 1% bwoc to 3% bwoc at a Bottomhole Circulating Temperature (BHCT) of 80°F (27°C) to determine physical properties such as compressive strength, thickening time, rheology, free fluid, and fluid loss. The results showed that the compressive strength of the cement slurries improved significantly at 12 hours than 24 hours curing period at 87°F (31°C). As the concentration of fresh nano zeolite increases less time was required to reach 50 psi, 100 psi and most importantly 500 psi which is needed to resume drilling operations. An increase in concentration of fresh nano zeolite at 80°F (27°C) resulted in an increase in the thickening time of all the cement slurries. This shows that fresh nano zeolite has a high retardation effect. Generally, the addition of fresh nano zeolite from 1% bwoc to 3% bwoc improved the carrying capacity of all the cement slurries. Test results also showed that increasing the fresh nano zeolite concentrations resulted in a decrease in rheological values which is a characteristic of a dispersant. Plastic viscosity values were observed to have an increasing trend generally with an increasing concentration of fresh nano zeolites. All the cement slurries were below 100 cP and therefore pumpable. The addition of fresh nano zeolite to the base cement slurry increased the free fluid of the cement slurries. The fresh nano zeolite didn’t have any effect on fluid loss and therefore does not exhibit characteristics of a fluid loss agent.

Superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic nano zeolite membranes for efficient oil-in-water nanoemulsion separation

Nano zeolite-Y ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, with mean pore diameter of 28 nm was fabricated using a simple isostatic pressing technique. Zeolite-Y has preferential water pathways and a unique 3-D microporous structure. The zeolite-Y used in this study has an Al to Si (Al/Si) ratio of 0.07 which renders the membrane superhydrophilic with complete wetting of water in air. Whereas, when it is underwater, the membrane is superoleophobic with a contact angle of 156°. This study compared membranes with two different zeolite particle sizes, above and below 100 nm for their membrane morphology, and wetting properties, directly affecting the separation of oil-in-water separation. The membrane separation capabilities were tested for 600 mg/L of xylene, motor oil and crude oil mixture in water. There are limited studies on treating oil/water mixtures having nanoemulsions with stand-alone zeolite membranes, and thus this study provides a deeper insight on utilizing such a ceramic material for improved separation processes.A flux of 45−70 L/m2.h was obtained for the nano-zeolite membrane, depending upon the type of oil, with the motor oil giving the lowest flux due to its heavy components. The nano-zeolite membranes produced ∼ 20 % higher flux than the micro-zeolite membrane at a membrane pressure of 70 kPa. A higher flux was attributed to the higher membrane porosity and favored nano-channel pathways along the zeolite pores for the water molecules. In addition, oil rejections as high as 99.8 % with oil content as low as 1.57 ± 0.2 mg/L were obtained. Thus, the membrane was found to be very effective in nanoemulsion oil-water separation owing to its exceptional structural properties and superoleophobicity of oil under water.

Hydrogen sulfide removal from biogas using ion-exchanged nanostructured NaA zeolite for fueling solid oxide fuel cells

Hydrogen sulfide is the most abundant sulfur compound in the biogas, and in order to use for fueling the solid oxide fuel cells, its content should be less than 1 ppm. In this work, NaA nano zeolite is synthesized hydrothermally and modified by Ag+ ions, and its breakthrough capacity for hydrogen sulfide adsorption was measured using dynamic lab-scale adsorption tests on the experimental set-up for the first time. The results are compared to those of unmodified NaA nano zeolite and micron-sized commercial 4A zeolite. AgNaA nano zeolite showed the highest adsorption capacity (33.24 mg H2S/g of Sorbent) and the longest breakthrough time (310 min). The regeneration performance of AgNaA nano zeolite and its structural stability are also investigated after five cycles. The results revealed that the AgNaA nano zeolite could be used promisingly for removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas for cleaner energy production.

Using heterogeneous Fe-ZSM-5 nanocatalyst to improve the electro Fenton process for acid blue 25 removal in a novel reactor with orbiting electrodes

Abstract In this study, a modified electro Fenton system, a heterogeneous nanocatalyst Fe-ZSM-5, and an innovative reactor with orbiting graphite electrodes were used to remove the acid blue 25. Heterogeneous nanocatalysts are divided into natural and synthetic categories, which have advantages such as increasing the working pH range, reducing the leakage of transition metal into the solution, reducing the sludge volume, and reusability in several cycles. In this study, Fe-ZSM-5 nanocatalyst was synthesized by ZSM-5 nano zeolite, iron ion, using the wet impregnation method. After its characterization by XRD, FTIR, and FESEM analyses, the capability of the nanocatalyst in electro Fenton process for dye removal was investigated by the OFAT method. Under optimal conditions of the initial pH = 3, I = 500 mA, nanocatalyst concentration = 100 ppm, electrolyte concentration = 0.01 M, electrodes orbital speed = 50 rpm, and Fe loading = 10 wt%,the removal of about 90% of the 200 ppm dye and consumption of 321.65 kWh/Kg energy was obtained. The optimal parameters were selected based on dye removal efficiency and optimal energy consumption in each experiment. Research has shown that the pH dependency significantly decreased when using a heterogeneous nanocatalyst, and in some cases, the electro Fenton process is pH-independent. Also, the nanocatalyst was used in 5 consecutive cycles, while the decolorization did not drop dramatically. On the other hand, the decolorization percentage in the orbiting mode of the electrodes was significantly more than the static one.