Clinoptilolite based zeolite-geopolymer hybrid foams: Potential application as low-cost sorbents for heavy metals

Clinoptilolite based zeolite-geopolymer foams (abbreviated as CFs) were prepared from natural clinoptilolite and calcined clinoptilolite, using H2O2 solution as pore former through a straightforward process. Natural clinoptilolite and CFs are characterized by analytical techniques including optical microscope, XRF, FTIR, XRD, BET, MIP and SEM. The obtained CFs possesses micropores of zeolite and meso/macropores of geopolymer matrix. The porosities range from 66.7 to 69.5%. Clinoptilolite (partially dissolved) and impurity minerals (montmorillonite, illite and albite) contribute to the formation of geopolymer. CFs shows a good static sorption performance for toxic heavy metals at pH = 5 and sorption time of 24 h. Results show that the adsorption amount of CFs for Cr3+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ in the 50 mg/L working solutions are 6.21 mg/g, 6.11–6.13 mg/g, 5.92–6.07 mg/g, 5.53–5.93 mg/g and 5.44–5.79 mg/g, respectively. In addition, CFs could reach a high removal rate (Cr removal rate >80% and Cd > 60%) for different heavy metals after three cycles. The elimination order of toxic metals is Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Ni2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+. The sequence is in accordance with Hard-Soft-Acid-Base principle, it is also related to the speciation and the ionic radii of the hydrated metal ions. This research provides a feasible approach for preparation of promising foams sorbent based on natural zeolite for wastewater management.