Synthetic coal fly ash-derived zeolites doped with silver nanoparticles for mercury (II) removal from water. (15th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tauanov, Z.; Tsakiridis, P.E.; Mikhalovsky, S.V.; Inglezakis, V.J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 224(2018)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 171
• Publication Date: 2018-10-15
• Subjects: Coal fly ash -- Synthetic zeolite -- Nanocomposites -- Silver nanoparticles -- Mercury removal -- Water treatment; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.07.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Coal fly ash-derived zeolites have attracted considerable interest in the last decade due to their use in several environmental applications such as the removal of dyes and heavy metals from aqueous solutions. In this work, coal fly ash-derived zeolites and silver nanoparticles-impregnated zeolites (nanocomposites) were synthesized and characterized by TEM/EDX, SEM/EDX, XRD, XRF, porosimetry (BET), particle size analysis (PSA) and zeta potential measurements. The synthesized materials were used for the removal of Hg 2+ from aqueous solutions. The results demonstrated that nanocomposites can remove 99% of Hg 2+, up to 10% and 90% higher than the removal achieved by the zeolite and the parent fly ash, respectively. Leaching studies further demonstrated the superiority of the nanocomposite over the parent materials. The Hg 2+ removal mechanism is complex, involving adsorption, surface precipitation and amalgamation. Graphical abstract: Novel silver nanoparticles doped composite derived from coal fly ash for mercury (II) removal from water. Image Highlights: The synthesis of a novel fly ash derived nanocomposite is presented. Complete mercury removal from water is achieved by the nanocomposite. Comparison of Hg 2+ removal between coal fly ash, zeolite and composite is performed. A possible removal mechanism is proposed and supported by experimental evidence.