Influencing the selectivity of zeolite Y for triglycine adsorption

In prior work we studied the adsorption of triglycine on zeolite Y under reference conditions. This study aims to solve the question of which adsorbent properties and process conditions influence the adsorption triglycine from an aqueous solution by zeolite Y. Relevant zeolite parameters to study are: the amount of acidic sites (Si/Al2 ratio), counter ion, micropore structure. Process conditions that may influence triglycine adsorption are pH, other components such as sugars, amino acids and salts, and temperature. Adsorption of triglycine on zeolite HY is dominated by ionic interaction. The capacity and selectivity of zeolite HY for triglycine can be changed by choosing different Si/Al2 ratios or changing the counter ion. The presence of cations and basic anions in solutions reduces triglycine adsorption. Fructose and glycine have no significant influence on triglycine adsorption. Temperature only has a slight influence. The pore structure of zeolite Y is not a critical factor for triglycine adsorption, provided pores are accessible to triglycine and in the micropore range (<2 nm). While this allows other zeolites than zeolite Y to be applied, the presence of the supercage structure of zeolite Y is beneficial to obtain better adsorption of triglycine in its neutral form.