Crystal engineering of zeolites with graphene

Exploring zeolite-based composites in adsorption and photocatalysis for toxic wastewater treatment: Preparation, mechanisms, and future perspectives

Water scarcity has become a critical global concern exacerbated by population growth, globalization, and industrial expansion, resulting in the production of wastewater containing a wide array of contaminants. Tackling this challenge necessitates the adoption of innovative materials and technologies for effective wastewater treatment. This review article provides a comprehensive exploration of the preparation, applications, mechanisms, and economic environmental analysis of zeolite-based composites in wastewater treatment. Zeolite, renowned for its versatility and porous nature, is of paramount importance due to its exceptional properties, including high surface area, ion exchange capability, and adsorption capacity. Various synthetic methods for zeolite-based composites are discussed. The utilization of zeolites in wastewater treatment, particularly in adsorption and photocatalysis, is thoroughly investigated. The significance of zeolite in adsorption and its role in the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants are examined, along with its applications in treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dye wastewater, oil-field wastewater, and radioactive waste. Mechanisms underlying zeolite-based adsorption and photocatalysis, including physical and chemical adsorption, ion exchange, and surface modification, are elucidated. Additionally, the role of micropores in the adsorption process is explored. Furthermore, the review delves into regeneration and desorption studies of zeolite-based composites, crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment practices. Economic and environmental analyses are conducted to assess the feasibility and sustainability of employing zeolite-based composites in wastewater treatment applications. Future recommendations are provided to guide further research and development in the field of zeolite-based composites, aiming to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency and environmental sustainability. By exploring the latest advancements and insights into zeolite-based nanocomposites, this paper aims to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment strategies. The integration of zeolite-based materials in wastewater treatment processes shows promise for mitigating water pollution and addressing water scarcity challenges, ultimately contributing to environmental preservation and public health protection.

Graphene Oxide Facilitates Solvent-Free Synthesis of Well-Dispersed, Faceted Zeolite Crystals

Zeolites with molecular dimension pores are widely used in petrochemical and fine-chemical industries. While traditional solvothermal syntheses suffer from environmental, safety, and efficiency issues, the newly developed solvent-free synthesis is limited by zeolite crystal aggregation. Herein, we report well-dispersed and faceted silicalite ZSM-5 zeolite crystals obtained using a solvent-free synthesis facilitated by graphene oxide (GO). The selective interactions between the GO sheets and different facets, which are confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations, result in oriented growth of the ZSM-5 crystals along the c-axis. More importantly, the incorporation of GO sheets into the ZSM-5 crystals leads to the formation of mesopores. Consequently, the faceted ZSM-5 crystals exhibit hierarchical pore structures. This synthetic method is superior to conventional approaches because of the features of the ZSM-5 zeolite.