Evaluation of ion exchange-modified Y and ZSM5 zeolites in Cr(VI) biosorption and catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate

The aim of this work was the evaluation of the performance of two zeolites with different structures (FAU and MFI) and acidity properties in the biosorption of Cr(VI) and catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate. The starting zeolites, Y (FAU) and ZSM5 (MFI), were modified by ion exchange treatments with NaNO3 in order to obtain zeolites with different acidity and sodium content. A biosorption system consisting of a bacterium, Arthrobacter viscosus, supported on the different zeolites was used for Cr(VI) reduction and removal from solution. The best removal efficiencies and uptake of chromium, above 90% and 14 mgCr/gzeolite respectively, were achieved for Y zeolites due to their higher ion exchange capacity in comparison with ZSM5 zeolites. The ion exchange treatment did not produce considerable changes on the uptake process performed by the modified zeolites. Y and ZSM5 zeolites were characterized by ICP-AES, SEM, NH3 chemisorption, XRD and N2 adsorption. Y and ZSM5 zeolites obtained after biosorption presented chromium loadings between 0.92 and 1.20%, and were successfully reused as catalysts in the oxidation of ethyl acetate. The chromium-loaded ZSM5 zeolites were considerably more active and selective towards CO2 than chromium-loaded Y zeolites, essentially due to their different framework structure, textural and acidity properties. The different sodium content of Y and ZSM5 zeolites did not produce marked changes in the catalytic behaviour of these catalysts.

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► The acidity of HY and HZSM5 zeolites was modified by ion exchange treatments with NaNO3.
► Cr-Y and Cr-ZSM5 zeolites were obtained by biosorption of Cr(VI) from water.
► These zeolites were reused as catalysts in the oxidation of ethyl acetate.
► Cr-ZSM5 zeolites were considerably more active and selective towards CO2 than Cr-Y zeolites.
► The structure and the acidity of the supports were the main factors affecting the catalytic performance.