Fusion-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Technogenic-Waste-Derived Zeolites and Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Mercury (II) Adsorption

This study presents the synthesis of zeolites derived from coal fly ash (CFA) using fusion-assisted alkaline hydrothermal method. The were synthesized by combining CFA and NaOH at a molar ratio 1:1.2 under fusion temperatures 500, 600, 700 °C. Subsequently, obtained subjected to further modifications through incorporation magnetic (Fe3O4) silver (Ag0) nanoparticles (NPs). Fe3O4 NPs introduced co-precipitation Fe(NO3)2 FeCl3 1:1, followed thermal curing 120 On other hand, Ag0 incorporated via ion exchange Na+ with Ag+ subsequent reduction NaBH4. porous materials exhibited formation zeolites, specifically analcime sodalite, as confirmed X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Additionally, presence was also XRD elemental composition analysis nanocomposites validated successful NPs. Nitrogen porosimetric revealed microporous structure, BET surface area ranging 48.6 128.7 m2/g pore sizes 0.6 4.8 nm. characteristics noticeable changes after modification process, which can be attributed impregnation findings this research demonstrate effectiveness method in producing synthetic CFA. resulting composites evaluated for their potential application removal mercury ions aqueous solutions. Among samples tested, composite containing highest adsorption capacity, reaching 107.4 mg Hg2+ per gram composite. modified Ag/Fe3O4 displayed capacities 68.4 mg/g 71.4 mg/g, respectively.