Nanozeolites from thermoelectric waste for application to wastewater treatment: review

Abstract

Along the years, nanozeolites have been proved extremely efficient in wastewater treatment. These nanostructured materials have a series of applications such as nanoadsorption, nanocatalysts to heterogenous photocatalyst, membrane separation processes and Fenton-like, showing a good removal of inorganic and organic pollutants. However, conventional synthesis of nanozeolite have some limitations, such as the formation of secondary pollutants by using organic supports or prolonged reaction times. In this context, the present work aims to provide an overview about the application of nanozeolites from coal fly ash in wastewater treatment. For this purpose, Science Direct platform was used, with the descriptors “Zeolite” AND “fly ash” AND “organic pollutants” AND “wastewater”, according to Boolean logic, and limiting to the last 5 years (from January 2015 to September 2020). Then, 22 articles were found being 70% of these studies corresponding to the nanoadsorption technology, 15% to Fenton-like treatment, 10% membrane separation processes, and only 5% to application in heterogenous photocatalysis, like supported catalysts. Therefore, it is possible to identify a wide application of these materials for application in wastewater treatment, being a potential alternative to green nanotechnology with sustainable development.