Optimization of CO2 Adsorption and Physical Properties for Pelletization of Zeolite 5A

This research investigated the effects of compression force, compression time, and addition of bentonite binder on zeolite 5A pelletization. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) adsorption of zeolite 5A pellets was tested in a laboratory-scale packed-bed reactor at 298 K, atmospheric pressure and 2 l/h flow rate.  Zeolite 5A pellets were prepared using a pelletization technique at 200-400 MPa compressive force, 5-15 min compression time, and with 0-15% wt. of bentonite binder. The specific surface area and density of zeolite 5A pellets increased with increase of compression force. Compression force led to increase in specific surface area and resulted in an agglomeration of zeolite pellets, making CO₂ molecules more difficult to become active sorbent. The addition of bentonite into zeolite 5A pellets with more compression time resulted in the reduction of specific surface area. The compression force and mass fraction of the binder were found to offer significant control over CO₂ adsorption capacity.  No addition of binder, 200 MPa compression force and 5 min compression time resulted in a maximum CO₂ adsorption capacity of 3.64 mmol CO₂/g.  This research indicated that zeolite 5A pellets have a beneficial effect and high potential as an adsorbent, especially in terms of CO₂ adsorption and environmental applications.

Keywords: zeolite 5A; zeolite pellet; CO₂ adsorption; pelletization; powder shaping process

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                                             E-mail: patcharin.w@eng.kmutnb.ac.th