Enhanced Cr(VI) Reduction Efficiency Using Clay Support and Hydrothermally Synthesized LTA Zeolite Composite Membrane

Abstract

The filtration of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) presents a significant challenge in water treatment due to its toxicity and environmental impact. This study is oriented towards the development of a zeolite-based membrane for the removal of Cr(VI) ions. Flat supports are made from clay with a particle size between 160 and 250 µm and then characterized by different techniques namely FTIR, XRD, and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The clay support creates a porous structure, ideal for adsorbing Cr(VI) ions, while the LTA-type zeolite membrane offers selective permeability, through its narrow pore size, tuning the volume down on Cr(VI). Filtration experiments were conducted under a pressure of 1.0 bar, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 10-4 M and pH = 5.4 to evaluate the efficiency and performance of the composite membrane. Results demonstrate significant reduction in Cr(VI) concentration, with a 30% and 50% retention on the clay support and the LTA-zeolite membrane respectively. The proposed methodology has the potential to create advanced water treatment systems that can effectively remove Cr(VI) pollutants from aqueous solutions, thereby challenging important environmental issues.