Synthesis of zeolites from residual diatomite using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method.

Population growth directly affects the industrial production sector, as well as the quantities of waste generated in this sector. Diatomite is a typical example of such industrial waste and is used for the filtration of various products. With the aim of increasing its value, the present study employs this residue, following its usage in beer filtration, as a silicon source for the synthesis of zeolites. Two synthetic routes are used, namely, hydrothermal treatment with and without a pre-treatment step in a conventional microwave for 3-24 h. The results of the compositional and morphological characterization show that the use of a few minutes of microwave radiation reduces the process of zeolite synthesis to 15 h compared to the synthesis without pre-treatment, as well as reducing the production costs. The efficiency of microwave radiation is assessed with regards to solubilizing the residue, the possibility of employing a device of conventional use and the possibility of putting to use the diatomite residue, turning it into a versatile material that can be applied in several areas and process, such as industrial catalysts, the adsorption of environmental pollutants (ions and molecules) and water treatment via ion-exchange resins.

Visible light activated magnetic photocatalysts for water treatment.

Environmental concerns have been raised regarding the intense contamination of water resources. Currently, numerous contaminants that reach water bodies are not efficiently removed by conventional water treatment methods. Therefore, there arises the need for development and optimization of efficient treatment methods for the removal of such recalcitrant contaminants. Given the circumstances, the present study aims to use of advanced oxidative processes for dye degradation. For this purpose, copper and zinc doped cobalt ferrites were synthesized by coprecipitation, targeting the degradation of methylene blue dye. The photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, WD-XRF, FE-SEM, N2 physisorption isotherms, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, molecular fluorescence spectroscopy and zeta potential. According to the investigation of the degradation mechanism, the holes and hydroxyl radicals were mainly responsible for the dye's degradation. The obtained photocatalysts displayed promising results with up to 99% of dye degradation, employing conventional visible LED lamps, making the practical use of the catalyst highly viable, as well as the economic matters. Additionally, the synthesized materials' magnetic properties allowed total and efficient separation of the catalyst for its reutilization up to 4 cycles, with no decrease in photocatalytic activity and with low leaching of iron ions to solution.