SnO2-containing clinoptilolite as a composite photocatalyst for dyes removal from wastewater under solar light(Article)(Open Access)
- aNational Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana, SI-1001, Slovenia
- bFaculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana, SI-1001, Slovenia
- cInnovation Center of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, 11120, Serbia
- dUniversity of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, Nova Gorica, SI-5000, Slovenia
- eJožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
- fFaculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, 11120, Serbia
Abstract
Due to their adsorbent, ion exchange and catalytic properties zeolites are suitable for a variety of applications. We report on the photocatalytic activity of a readily available and inexpensive natural zeolite clinoptilolite (Z) containing SnO2 (Sn-Z). The Sn-Z samples with 3–15 wt. % of Sn were prepared by using a precipitation–deposition method. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the zeolite structure was unaffected by the introduction of the Sn-phase. Diffuse reflectance UV/VIS spectra of the Sn-Z samples confirmed the presence of SnO2 and X-Ray absorption spectroscopy analyses suggested that the SnO2 particles mainly resided on the surface of the clinoptilolite, while ATR-FTIR analysis gave some clues that part of the SnO2 phase was incorporated in the pores of the zeolite. The presence of SnO2 in Sn-Z increased both adsorption capacity and photocatalytic performance which could be partially explained by higher surface area and partially with an increased negative potential of the surface. Adsorption and total degradation of methylene blue (MB) for the Sn-Z with the highest amount of Sn (15 wt.%) was about 30% and 45%, respectively, suggesting a synergetic effect between SnO2 and the clinoptilolite lattice. Reusability tests showed that these catalysts present a promising material for water purification. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Funding details
| Funding sponsor | Funding number | Acronym |
|---|---|---|
| Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS | P1-0112,I-20170160 EC | ARRS |
| Horizon 2020 Framework Programme See opportunities by H2020 | 730872 | H2020 |
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Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Slovenian Research Agency (P1-0112), and by the project CALIPSOplus under the Grant Agreement 730872 from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020. We acknowledge access to SR facility at DESY, beamline P65 of PETRA III, Hamburg (project I-20170160 EC). We would like to thank Edmund Welter of PETRA III for expert advice on beamline operation.
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This research was supported by the Slovenian Research Agency (P1-0112), and by the project CALIPSOplus under the Grant Agreement 730872 from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020. We acknowledge access to SR facility at DESY, beamline P65 of PETRA III, Hamburg (project I-20170160 EC). We would like to thank Edmund Welter of PETRA III for expert advice on beamline operation.
- ISSN: 20734344
- Source Type: Journal
- Original language: English
- DOI: 10.3390/catal10020253
- Document Type: Article
- Publisher: MDPI
Tušar, N.N.; National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana, Slovenia;
© Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
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