Characterization and Structure Elucidation of Binary Zr:Ti MEL Structure; Simultaneous Photodegradation/Removal of Organic–Inorganic Pollutants

Abstract

The preparation of a series of different Ti/Zr MEL structure was performed successfully. Full characterization of the prepared materials was done using XRD, IR, DR, and SEM. The results show that the prepared materials contain only one crystalline phase (ZSM-11). The affinity of Zr to form the crystalline phase alone in a binary Zr/Ti synthesizing mixture was approved by SEM and elemental analysis results. The percentage of each active site was calculated. DR spectra were deconvoluted, and three active sites were supposed and quantified (tetragonal, octahedral, and crystalline). The mutual effect of ions (lead, copper, cobalt, and nickel) and methylene blue dye on the removal efficiency with and without ultraviolet irradiation was examined and fully characterized. The ions largely influence the photodegradation process, and a mechanism was formulated. Meanwhile, the presence of dye showed a negligible effect on the removal of ions.