Adsorption of tetrachloroethylene on cationic X and Y zeolites: Influence of cation nature and of water vapor

In this work, the removal of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) over faujasite-type zeolites exchanged with various cations was investigated under static and dynamic conditions. The nature of the non-framework cation appeared as a predominant parameter, in terms of adsorbate-adsorbent interactions as well as adsorbent micropore volume. Indeed, a molecular simulation has highlighted the interaction between cations and Cl atoms. Moreover, it was observed that the nature of the cation strongly influenced the adsorbent behavior in the PCE removal process. Cationic zeolites appeared as efficient materials for the removal of PCE with good adsorption capacities, in particular, the sodium-exchanged X and Y zeolites. The presence of steam in the gas feed was determined to have a strong negative effect on the performance of the cationic zeolites. However, the addition of 3A sieve in a double bed with NaY zeolite appeared to be a good system. The complete regeneration of the system was obtained at relatively low temperature (180 degrees C), which allowed it to be still performing after several adsorption/desorption cycles.