CO2 Adsorption on Natural Zeolites from Puebla, México, by Inverse Gas Chromatography

Abstract

The applicability of clinoptilolite zeolites in controlling the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2, the most significant GHG, is investigated herein. In this research, Mexican natural zeolites (ATN) originating from an Atzinco deposit in the state of Puebla were used. Samples of modified clinoptilolite (ATH4, ATH3, ATH2 and ATH1) were obtained from the starting material by acid treatment of various intensities. Inverse gas chromatography was used to evaluate CO2 adsorption in clinoptilolite, natural and chemically modified. Adsorption of CO2 was investigated in the temperature range of 433–573 K, using a TCD detector, and He as a carrier gas. The experimental CO2 adsorption data were processed by Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The degree of interaction between CO2 and the dealuminated clinoptilolite samples was examined through the evaluation of the isosteric enthalpy of adsorption. This calculation was made by using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, which established the following sequence: ATH1 > ATH2 > ATH4 > ATN > ATH3. The nanoporosity of these clinoptolite zeolites from new deposit in sedimentary rocks was studied through HRADS adsorption of N2. Simultaneously, these zeolites were, respectively, characterized by XRD, EDS, and SEM. Micropores are described by the Dubinin–Asthakov distribution. Various adsorption mechanisms that occur in these nanoporous materials at different relative pressures can be visualized. The quantitative determination of starting mineral is described as: Ca-Clinoptilolite (88.76%) >> Montmorillonite (11.11%) >> quartz (0.13%). The Si/Al molar ratio after acid treatment is: ATH4 > ATH2 > ATN > ATH3 > ATH1. The Langmuir specific surface area (ASL) varies as follows: ATN > ATH2 > ATH4 > ATH3 > ATH1. At the same time, the VΣ values are as follows: ATN > ATH4 > ATH3 > ATH1 > ATH2.