Nano-lamellar H-ZSM-5 molecular sieves for enhanced indoor air purification: Synthesis and adsorption characterization

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The rapid growth of cities has been accompanied by problems with urban air quality, making air pollution challenging to manage. In this situation, people focus on indoor building materials to improve air quality.

OBJECTIVE:

In this paper, a novel bola-type surfactant was synthesized and used as a template, using ethyl orthosilicate and sodium meta-aluminate as the silicon and aluminum source, in the ratio of $n$ (NaOH): $n$ (NaAIO₂): $n$ (SiO₂): $n$ (SDA): $n$ (H₂O) as 30:2.5:120:5:4800.

METHODS:

Hydrothermal preparation of ZSM-5 molecular sieves with a nanosheet structure (H-ZSM-5) was accomplished. The manufactured lamellar ZSM-5 molecular sieves were examined using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and adsorption and desorption techniques.

RESULTS:

Traditional microporous ZSM-5 had a considerably lower static adsorption of formaldehyde molecules. The findings demonstrated that the nano-lamellar H-ZSM-5 molecular sieve can purify and eliminate larger molecular VOCs inside because it has the ability to adsorb larger molecular diameter VOCs. Additionally, the effectiveness of the adsorption was assessed using toluene vapour molecules with higher molecular diameters.

CONCLUSION:

The findings demonstrate that the nanosheet H-ZSM-5 molecular sieve can remove bigger molecule VOCs from indoor air and can be utilised to purify indoor spaces. This study offers a fresh approach to indoor environmental cleanup by demonstrating the capability of nano-lamellar H-ZSM-5 molecular sieves for molecular adsorption.