Environmental Applications of Zeolites: Preparation and Screening of Cu-Modified Zeolites as Potential CO Sensors

This work is focused on the application of Cu-containing zeolites as potential environmental sensors for monitoring carbon monoxide. A number commercial with different structural properties (NaX, NaY, MOR, FER, BEA and ZSM-5) were modified using CuSO4, Cu(NO3)2 Cu(OAc)2 solutions copper sources to prepare Cu+-containing zeolites, since Cu+ forms stable complexes CO at room temperature that can be monitored by infrared spectroscopy. Zeolite impregnation resulted in highest total Cu-loadings, while Cu(OAc)2-treated samples had Cu+/Cutotal ratio. Cu(NO3)2-impregnated which displayed concentration Cu+, was subjected a tests evaluate its performance sensor. The working ranges sensor determined from 20 300 °C 10 10,000 ppm, respectively. stepwise desorption experiments indicated regenerated 400 if required. Additional analyses under realistic flow conditions demonstrated hydrophilic co-adsorption water compromise sensor’s performance. Therefore, hydrophobic Sn-BEA utilised parent material preparation an impregnated Cu-Sn-BEA zeolite, exhibited superior resistance interfering maintaining sensing properties. Overall, prepared Cu-modified showed promising sensors, displaying high sensitivity selectivity representative testing conditions.