Produção de material zeolítico em escala semi piloto com o calor proveniente da dissolução de hidróxido de sódio

Abstract

The increasing demand for zeolitic materials, due to their high adsorption capacity, selectivity, and ion exchange, highlights the need for more efficient and sustainable production methods. Thus, the study aimed to produce zeolites on a semi pilot scale from kaolin waste, utilizing reactive heat for hydrothermal synthesis and applying these zeolites for copper ion adsorption. The methodology involved drying, disaggregation, and calcination of the kaolinitic waste, followed by the synthesis of the zeolitic material. Characterization of the materials was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTG), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Subsequently, equilibrium isotherms were conducted at temperatures of 25 ºC, 35 ºC, 45 ºC, 55 ºC, 65 ºC, 75 ºC, 85 ºC, and 95 ºC, along with parameter estimation to study the adsorption mechanisms and the adsorbate/adsorbent interface. Additionally, modeling of the adsorption process for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases was carried out, using experimental data from the literature and employing analytical breakthrough curve models to describe the adsorption phenomenon in continuous flow. The results confirmed the predominant presence of kaolinite in the waste, the efficiency of the calcination process, and the formation of zeolitic material, evidenced by the mineralogical and chemical composition, as well as the cubic morphology characteristic of zeolite 4A and the spherical shapes of sodalite. Thermal analyses elucidated changes associated with water loss and phase transitions. Adsorption tests demonstrated that the produced material was effective in removing copper ions, with a maximum amount adsorbed of 782,76 mg/g at 95 ºC, indicating a good interaction between the adsorbent and the adsorbate. Furthermore, the use of Bayesian techniques for parameter estimation in isotherm and breakthrough curve models enabled a better understanding of the process dynamics. Finally, this study demonstrated the feasibility of producing zeolites from kaolin residue on a semi-pilot scale using reactional heat, offering an approach that is less harmful to the environment and reduces costs through the reuse of industrial waste and energy optimization of the process.