Combined use of glass powder and residual anodized aluminum solid wastes as zeolites precursors by facile hydrothermal treatment
摘要
A sustainable circular economy hinges on efficient resource use and waste reduction. This study aims to assess the feasibility of transforming solid waste derived from the flat glass (WGP) and anodized aluminum (RAA) industries into zeolite materials. Zeolites are microporous crystalline materials widely used in petrochemical, catalysis and adsorption. Using a facile approach of combined alkaline fusion and hydrothermal treatment and fine-tuning operational (Si/Al ratio, basicity, aging time, temperature), we obtained five different zeolitic structures: LTA, FAU, GIS, CAN, and SOD. Higher Si/Al ratios tend to form more structurally condensed zeolites. Conversely, extended aging periods and elevated temperatures promote the crystallization of thermodynamically more stable zeolite phases. The overall process yield was ~ 50% (w/w) leading to FAU zeolite with an average particle size of 278 nm, specific area of 181 m2 g−1 and pore size distribution of 17–63 nm when Si/Al = 6 and 24 h of hydrothermal treatment. This study shows that the combined use of WGP and RAA can serve as effective zeolitic precursors, which presents a promising option to develop economic opportunities and increase sustainability within the glass and aluminum manufacturing sectors and zeolite consumers.
Graphical abstract