Synthesis of zeolite Li-ABW from fly ash by fusion method

The zeolite Li-ABW was synthesized by fusion method using fly ash as raw material. It comprised alkaline fusion followed by hydrothermal treatment in LiOH·H₂O medium. Crystallinity of zeolite as high as 97.8% was attained under the following conditions: LiOH·H₂O concentration, 3 M; hydrothermal temperature, 180 °C; the corresponding aging time, 12 h. The content of Li-ABW increased at the expense of lithium aluminum silicate or quartz with an increase of LiOH·H₂O concentration. With increasing hydrothermal temperature and aging time, the soluble species re-crystallized and crystalline phase transformation between different zeolites was observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed that the obtained zeolite Li-ABW was a rod-like crystal. The pore size distribution curve indicated the presence of mesopores.     

Removal of trivalent chromium from aqueous solution by zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash

The capability of 14 zeolites synthesized from different fly ashes (ZFAs) to sequestrate Cr(III) from aqueous solutions was investigated in a batch mode. The influence of pH on the sorption of Cr(III) was examined. ZFAs had a much greater ability than fly ash to remove Cr(III), due to the high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the high acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) of ZFAs. The mechanism of Cr(III) removal by ZFAs involved ion exchange and precipitation. A high-calcium content in both the fly ashes and ZFAs resulted in a high ANC value and, as a result, a high immobilization capacity for Cr(III). The pH strongly influenced Cr(III) removal by ZFAs. Inside the solubility range, removal of chromium increased with increasing pH. Hydroxysodalite made from a high-calcium fly ash had a higher sorptive capacity for Cr(III) than the NaP1 zeolite from medium- and low-calcium fly ashes. On the other hand, at pH values above the solubility range, the efficiency of chromium removal by the ZFAs approached 100% due to the precipitation of Cr(OH)3 on the sorbent surfaces. It is concluded that ZFAs and high-calcium fly ashes may be promising materials for the purification of Cr(III) from water/wastewater.     

Crystallization and properties of glasses prepared from Illinois coal fly ash

Glasses synthesized from Illinois coal fly ash by conventional melt quenching were recrystallized by suitable nucleation and crystal growth heat treatments. The microstructure and selected properties of the glasses and crystallized glasses were investigated using scanning and scanning transmission electron microscopy (SEM, STEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Crystallization of the fly ash glasses without the aid of added nucleating agents was possible up to a maximum of 23 vol %. The crystalline phase was tentatively identified on the basis of STEM microanalysis as a combination of ferroaugite [(Ca, Fe²⁺)(Al, Fe³⁺)₂SiO₆] and potassium melilite [KCaAlSi₂O₇]. Comparative results of the thermal expansion, density and microhardness of the glass and crystallized glass are reported along with the Young's modulus of a glass fibre pulled from the fly ash melt.     

磁性纳米Fe3O4的制备与应用进展

总结了磁性纳米Fe3O4粒子的微乳液法、热分解铁有机物法、共沉淀法、凝胶-溶胶法、生物模板合成法等.并讨论了磁性纳米Fe3O4粒子在生物分离、靶向药物、肿瘤磁热疗以及免疫检测等领域的应用.     

Synthesis of Na-X zeolite from low aluminum coal fly ash: Characterization and high efficient As(V) removal

Na-X zeolite was successfully prepared from low aluminum coal fly ash (LACFA) via fusion-hydrothermal treatment. The influence of various synthesis parameters was investigated, including aluminum additives (AlCl₃·6H₂O, Al(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, AlF₃·3H₂O and NaAlO₂), dosages of NaAlO₂, weight ratio of LACFA/NaOH, crystallization temperature and time. The results indicated that the addition of Al species played a key role in the synthesis process of purity Na-X zeolite, and the corresponding relative crystallinity of the obtained samples was in the order of Na-X zeolite_(Al)???Na-X zeolite_(Cl)?>?Na-X zeolite_(N)?>?Na-X zeolite_(F) (Here, “Al”, “Cl”, “N” and “F” represent NaAlO₂, AlCl₃·6H₂O, Al(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and AlF₃·3H₂O, respectively). And the optimal operating conditions were: the weight ratio of LACFA/NaOH?=?0.83, short crystallization time 360?min, low crystallization temperature 90?°C and 0.038?mol NaAlO₂. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transforms Infrared (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to determine the resultant samples. Based on the results of As(V) adsorption experiment, the experimental data was suitable fitted by Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, and the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity was 27.79?mg/g at pH?=?2.14. The kinetics studies suggested that “surface reaction” was the rate-determining step of adsorption process, and the thermodynamics studies indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. These results deemed that the LACFA was suitable for preparing Na-X zeolite_(Al), and the obtained Na-X zeolite_(Al) was served as a promising adsorbent to remove As(V) from acid wastewater.     

Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using a probiotic from coal fly ash effluent

The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO₂ NP) has gained importance in the recent years owing to its wide range of potential biological applications. The present study demonstrates the synthesis of TiO₂ NPs by a metal resistant bacterium isolated from the coal fly ash effluent. This bacterial strain was identified on the basis of morphology and 16s rDNA gene sequence [KC545833]. The physico-chemical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles is completely elucidated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). The crystalline nature of the nanoparticles was confirmed by X-RD pattern. Further, cell viability and haemolytic assays confirmed the biocompatible and non toxic nature of the NPs. The TiO₂ NPs was found to enhance the collagen stabilization and thereby enabling the preparation of collagen based biological wound dressing. The paper essentially provides scope for an easy bioprocess for the synthesis of TiO₂ NPs from the metal oxide enriched effluent sample for future biological applications.     

Arsenate removal from water by an alumina-modified zeolite recovered from fly ash

A cancrinite-type zeolite was synthesized from Class C fly ash by molten-salt method. The product (ZFA) was used as the adsorbent for the arsenate removal from water. The adsorption equilibriums of arsenate are investigated on various adsorbents. ZFA showed a higher adsorption capacity (5.1 mg g(-1)) than activated carbon (4.0 mg g(-1)), silica gel (0.46 mg g(-1)), zeolite NaY (1.4 mg g(-1)), and zeolite 5A (4.1 mg g(-1)). The relatively higher adsorption capacity of ZFA than zeolite NaY and 5A was attributed to the low Si/Al ratio and the mesoporous secondary pore structure of ZFA. However, it was found that the adsorption capacity of zeolites were generally lower than activated alumina (16.6 mg g(-1)), which is ascribed to the small pores in zeolite frameworks. The adsorption capacity of ZFA was significantly improved after loaded by alumina via a wet-impregnation method. The modified ZFA (ZFA-Al(50)) with the optimum alumina loading showed an adsorption capacity of 34.5 mg g(-1), which was 2.1 times higher than activated alumina. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) leachability tests indicated that the spent ZFA and alumina-modified ZFA complied with the EPA regulations for safe disposal.     

Synthesis and characterization of low-cost zeolite NaA from coal gangue by hydrothermal method

Through this investigation, we have demonstrated a low-cost preparation method of zeolite NaA from coal gangue. The well-developed zeolite NaA of 87.56% crystallinity was successfully prepared by hydrothermal alkali activation method, which required low alkali concentration (1.8 mol/L) compared to other researches (3–6 mol/L). The characterization results of product prepared at different conditions suggest that the purity and crystallinity of zeolite NaA are high at low alkali concentration and longer crystallization time. The Ca²⁺ exchange value of synthesized zeolite attained 265 mg CaCO₃/g compared to commercial zeolite, which is typically 340 mg CaCO₃/g. The basic structure parameters and thermal stability have also been studied. The results suggest that the obtained zeolite has a potential to be used as hard water softening agent. Moreover, the result of Rietveld quantitative phase analysis and Box-Behnken's response surface methodology showed that the weight fraction of zeolite NaA in product can reach 71.9%, and the crystallinity can attain 88.14% at the optimal condition of n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) of 2.60, NaOH(aq) concentration of 1.86 mol/L at 95 °C for 10.08 h.     

Selective formation of Na-X zeolite from coal fly ash by fusion with sodium hydroxide prior to hydrothermal reaction

Hydrothermal treatment of fly ash with alkali gives various types of zeolites such as Na-Pl, Na-A and hydroxysodalite, where the zeolite zone was formed like an egg white, covering the central core of fly ash particles, as evinced in the previous paper. By fusion with sodium hydroxide, most of the fly ash particles were converted into sodium salts such as silicate and aluminate, from which hydrothermal reaction without stirring favourably resulted in the formation of Na-X zeolite. Crystallinity of Na-X zeolite as high as 62% was attained at the optimum condition of NaOH/fly ash = 1.2 and a fusion temperature of 823 K. Fly ash contains 14 wt% mullite (3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂), which was revealed to be a less-active crystalline component for zeolite formation. Aluminium-enriched fly ash gave Na-A in place of Na-X zeolite. Scanning electron microscope images of cubic and octahedral crystals characteristic of Na-A and Na-X zeolite, respectively, obtained from fly ash, are given.     

Heavy metal accumulation from coal fly ash by cyanobacterial biofertilizers

Bioleaching of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb) from coal fly ash by cyanobacterial strains (Nostoc muscorum, Anabaena variabilis, Tolypothrix tenuis and Aulosira fertilissimia), that are commonly used as biofertilizers in rice cultivation was studied to assess utilization of fly ash while mitigating its environmental metal toxicity. Cyanobacteria were grown at different concentration of fly ash at 0, 5, 10, and 20% was treated with different blue green algal strains (Nostoc muscorum, Anabaena variabilis, Tolypothrix tenuis, and Aulosira fertilissimia) in suitable growth medium (BG-11) and distilled water to observe their growth and metal accumulation. Nostoc muscorum (ARM 442?mg?g^?1) showed maximum uptake of Cr (3.65?mg?g^?1), Pb (2.12?mg?g^?1) at BG 11(-N) medium amended with 10% fly ash, respectively. Anabaena variabilis (ARM 441) showed maximum uptake of Cu (0.313?mg?g^?1) and Pb (2.01?mg?g^?1) in BG 11 (–N) medium amended with 5% fly ash whereas Cr uptake (1.21?mg?g^?1) at 10% fly ash and Zn uptake (0.697?mg?g^?1) at 20% fly ash grown in BG 11(-N) medium. Increased accumulation of metals in blue green algae biomass grown in BG 11(-N) medium amended fly ash confirms that metal concentration was balanced between the algal strains.     

Removal of mixed heavy metal ions in wastewater by zeolite 4A and residual products from recycled coal fly ash

The removal performance and the selectivity sequence of mixed metal ions (Co(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and Ni(2+)) in aqueous solution were investigated by adsorption process on pure and chamfered-edge zeolite 4A prepared from coal fly ash (CFA), commercial grade zeolite 4A and the residual products recycled from CFA. The pure zeolite 4A (prepared from CFA) was synthesized under a novel temperature step-change method with reduced synthesis time. Batch method was employed to study the influential parameters such as initial metal ions concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and initial pH of the solution on the adsorption process. The experimental data were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model (for Co(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) ions) and the pseudo-first-order kinetics model (for Ni(2+) ions). The equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir model and showed the affinity order: Cu(2+) > Cr(3+) > Zn(2+) > Co(2+) > Ni(2+) (CFA prepared and commercial grade zeolite 4A). The adsorption process was found to be pH and concentration dependent. The sorption rate and sorption capacity of metal ions could be significantly improved by increasing pH value. The removal mechanism of metal ions was by adsorption and ion exchange processes. Compared to commercial grade zeolite 4A, the CFA prepared adsorbents could be alternative materials for the treatment of wastewater.     

不同预植晶种法制备NaA分子筛膜及其表征

采用多种预植晶种法在管状ɑ-Al2O3外表面水热晶化制备NaA分子筛膜.使用XRD、SEM对合成的膜层进行形貌表征,并用渗透气化技术考察膜的醇水分离性能.结果表明,采取搽涂-浸渍法在支撑体表面预植晶种,并进行2次4h水热晶化成膜制备的膜性能最好,在343K进料液中乙醇质量分数为90%时分离因子与渗透通量分别为6824和1.40kg/(m2·h).并考察操作温度以及料液水含量对膜渗透汽化分离性能的影响.随料液中水含量的增加,分离因子先升高后下降,渗透通量呈增大趋势;随着操作温度升高,分离因子逐渐降低而渗透通量随之增加.     

Synthesis and physical characterization of magnetite nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications in the size range of 15–130 nm were prepared by either oxidative hydrolysis of ferrous sulfate with KOH or precipitation from ferrous/ferric chloride solutions. The magnetite particle size is controlled by variation of pH and temperature. The synthesized magnetite nanoparticles are partially oxidized as signaled by ferrous concentrations of below 24 wt% Fe²⁺ and lattice parameters of a₀ ≤ 8.39 Å which are smaller compared to 8.39 Å for stoichiometric magnetite. The extend of oxidation increases with decreasing particle size. Heating at 150–350 °C topotactically transforms the magnetite nanoparticles into stoichiometric tetragonal maghemite (ferrous ion concentration c_Fe²⁺=0 and a₀ = 8.34 Å) without significant particle growth. The magnetite–maghemite transformation is studied with thermal analysis, XRD and IR spectroscopy. The saturation magnetizations of the magnetite and maghemite particles decrease with decreasing particle size. The variation of M_s with particle size is interpreted using a magnetic core–shell particle model. Magnetite particles with d ≤ 16 nm show superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature whereas particles with diameter >16 nm display hysteresis behavior. These particles are candidates for biomedical applications, e.g. controlled drug release or hyperthermia.     

Removal of methylene blue from wastewater using fly ash as an adsorbent by hydrocyclone

The excessive release of color into the environment is a major concern worldwide. Adsorption process is among the most effective techniques for color removal from wastewater and fly ash has been widely used as an adsorbent. Therefore, this study was carried out to understand the adsorption behavior of methylene blue from aqueous systems onto fly ash using the continuous mode. Continuous mode sorption experiments were carried out to remove methylene blue from its aqueous solutions in hydrocyclone equipment. The experiments were performed at constant temperature and dimensions of hydrocyclone with variation of flows through the equipment, concentrations of methylene blue solutions and fly ash concentration, respectively. A maximum removal of 58.24% was observed at adsorbent dosage of 900mg/l at pH 6.75 for an initial methylene blue concentration of 65mg/l.     

Synthesis and magnetic characterization of magnetite obtained by monowavelength visible light irradiation

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were controllably synthesized by aerial oxidation Fe^IIEDTA solution under different monowavelength light-emitting diode (LED) lamps irradiation at room temperature. The results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra show the formation of magnetite nanoparticle further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR) and the difference in crystallinity of as-prepared samples. Fe₃O₄ particles are nearly spherical in shape based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Average crystallite sizes of magnetite can be controlled by different irradiation light wavelengths from XRD and TEM: 50.1, 41.2, and 20.3 nm for red, green, and blue light irradiation, respectively. The magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ samples were investigated. Saturation magnetization values of magnetic nanoparticles were 70.1 (sample M-625), 65.3 (sample M-525), and 58.2 (sample M-460) emu/g, respectively.     

Zeolite from fly ash: synthesis and characterization

Coal fly ash was used to synthesize X-type zeolite by alkali fusion followed by hydrothermal treatment. The synthesized zeolite was characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, BET method for surface area measurement etc. The synthesis conditions were optimized to obtain highly crystalline zeolite with maximum BET surface area. The maximum surface area of the product was found to be 383 m²/g with high purity. The crystallinity of the prepared zeolite was found to change with fusion temperature and a maximum value was obtained at 823 K. The cost of synthesized zeolite was estimated to be almost one-fifth of that of commercial 13X zeolite available in the market.     

Formation of surface magnetite nanoparticles from iron-exchanged zeolite using microwave radiation

Microwave radiation simplifies synthesis methods by reducing reaction times, requiring fewer materials, and also controlling reaction processes. We have successfully synthesized nanoparticles of iron oxide and zinc oxide coated on zeolite A using microwaves. The radiation assisted in displacing either ferrous or zinc ions from the pre-loaded zeolite network and increasing reaction speed with solution at the interface. Products were characterized by TEM, XRD, VSM, ICP-AES, and fluorescence. We demonstrate the ability of using cation-exchanged zeolites as microreactors to bias reactions onto the zeolite surface. Efficient structure-directed surface reactions are a potential route to making unique supported nanomaterials for applications such as sensors, environmental remediation, and chemical catalysis.     

Studies on sorption properties of zeolite derived from Indian fly ash

Indian fly ash has been completely converted to crystalline porous 13X zeolite by NaOH fusion at 600 degrees C followed by hydrothermal treatment at 105 degrees C for 20 h. Obtained materials were characterized by XRD, SEM and surface area measurement. Prepared material was used for the sorption study of different metal ions (Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Ni(2+)) at different pH, temperature. Thermodynamic data (DeltaS, DeltaH and DeltaG) corresponding to different metal ion uptake were evaluated from Langmuir equation. In all the experiment sorption capacity of prepared zeolite was found to be quite high than that of fly ash at acidic pH. However, the uptake selectivity order for both the materials is Cu(2+)>Co(2+)>Ni(2+).     

Synthesis and optical characterization of copper nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation

The remarkable size-tunable properties of nanoparticles (NPs) make them a hot research topic with applications in a wide range of fields. Hence, copper (Cu) colloidal NPs were prepared using laser ablation (Nd:YAG, 1064 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz, 6000 pulses) of a copper metal plate at different laser fluences (LFs) in the range of 1–2.5 J cm^?2 in ethylene glycol (EG), at room temperature. Analysis of NPs was carried using different independent techniques such as ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. TEM analysis showed that the NPs were spherical with a bimodal distribution and an average particle size of 5 and 16 nm influence of 1.2 J cms^?2, and 9 and 22 nm at 2 J cm^?2. The UV–vis spectra of colloidal NPs revealed the maximum absorbance at around 584 nm, indicating the formation of Cu NPs, which supported using FTIR spectra. Furthermore, the absorption spectra confirmed the metallic nature of Cu NPs. FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to verify information about the NPs surface state and chemical bonds constructed in the atom groups apparent on their surface.