New zeolite made from Tunisian raw clay: study and modeling for C₃H₆ breakthrough dynamic adsorption onto zeolite...

In this study, Tunisian raw clay (RC) was utilized as a cheap source of silicium and aluminum for the preparation of faujasite zeolite (FAU_syn) using the alkaline fusion technique. The zeolite's structural analysis was carried out using the XRD, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and SEM-EDX techniques. The data collected demonstrate that the produced zeolite only included one homogeneous faujasite phase. Textural analysis shows that the FAU_syn prepared from RC has a hierarchical porosity (micro-, meso-, and macropores). The total porosity was found to be 0.33 cm³/g as well as the BET area was equal to 360 m²/g. Adsorption experiments for propene capture were performed using the FAU_syn as adsorbent material. The performance of the column was examined in relation to various parameter impacts, including flow rate (50, 100, and 150 mL/min), input concentration (4, 8, and 12 mg/L), and bed depth (10, 14, and 18 cm). Finally, experimental and theoretical studies were investigated to predict adsorption capacities and kinetics parameters. To clarify and estimate column inputs, a model that incorporates axial dispersion, Langmuir equation, and migration within the adsorbent's pore was improved. COMSOL Multiphysics software was used to execute the model and resolve it computationally. The results of the experiments and the expected breakthrough curves were very well agreed. Modeling obtained results can be extrapolated to industrial level.