Humidity‐conditioning mesoporous molecular sieves synthesized from thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal‐display waste glass and SiC sludge

Abstract

This study characterized the humidity conditioning of Al‐MCM‐41 mesoporous molecular sieves that were recycled from thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal‐display (TFT‐LCD) waste glass and SiC sludge and synthesized through alkali fusion and hydrothermal processes. Temperatures of 450–650°C, various liquid: solid ratios (5:1, 10:1, 15:1), and different proportions of SiC sludge in the TFT–LCD waste glass were used. The crystal structures of the Al‐MCM‐41 were determined using X‐ray diffraction. The concentrations of heavy metals leached from the materials were below Taiwan's regulatory thresholds. When the liquid: solid ratio was 10:1 and the alkali fusion temperature was 90, 105, or 120°C, the mesoporous molecular sieves met JIS A1470 intensity building materials specifications (moisture adsorption content > 29 g/m2). Mesoporous molecular sieves recycled from TFT‐LCD waste glass and SiC sludge had excellent mechanical properties, making them feasible for use in humidity‐conditioning applications. This novel synthesis process could also be employed for other Si‐related industrial wastes and be beneficial during the large‐scale production of valuable silica‐based humidity‐conditioning materials for environmental protection applications. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1285–1290, 2018