Influence of Water, Vacuum, and Temperature on Surface Conditions of a Zeolite‐based Molecular Sieve

Zaleski, Radosław; Evans, George Steven; Kierys, Agnieszka; Kochel, Mateusz; Kuśmierz, Marcin; Urban‐Klaehn, Jagoda; Staub, Robert; Wiertel, Marek

doi:10.1002/chem.202501713

Title: Influence of Water, Vacuum, and Temperature on Surface Conditions of a Zeolite‐based Molecular Sieve

Journal Article · Sun Jul 27 00:00:00 UTC 2025 · Chemistry - A European Journal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202501713 · OSTI ID:3000406

^[1];

^[2]; Kierys, Agnieszka ^[1];

^[3]; Kuśmierz, Marcin ^[1];

^[2]; Staub, Robert ^[2]; Wiertel, Marek ^[1]

Maria Curie-Sklodowska Univ., Lublin (Poland)
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology (ITPE), Zabrze (Poland)

Molecular sieves such as zeolite-based materials are ubiquitous in industrial separation processes. However, there is a significant gap in understanding the surface properties and adsorption mechanisms for commercial zeolites, as most research focuses on pure zeolite powders rather than industrially relevant forms. Here, this work addresses this gap in understanding by employing advanced characterization techniques, including positron annihilation spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, liquid nitrogen sorption, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, to investigate the adsorption and desorption behavior of water in commercial zeolite 13X. Our research reveals insights into the pore-filling mechanisms, the impact of material binders on adsorption properties, and the dynamics of hydration and drying processes for zeolites. Monitoring changes on a minute scale allowed the distinction between fast and slow processes leading to sample drying. The identification of positronium bound to Na⁺ ions indicated that water molecules remain in the vicinity of Na⁺ ions after air-drying zeolite 13X. These findings highlight the importance of various environmental conditions in restoring zeolite properties to baseline after hydration, with significant implications for optimizing industrial processes. This work sets the direction for further research aimed at developing more efficient and robust separation techniques.

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Research Organization:: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC07-05ID14517

OSTI ID:: 3000406

Report Number(s):: INL/JOU--25-88065-Rev000

Journal Information:: Chemistry - A European Journal, Journal Name: Chemistry - A European Journal Journal Issue: 47 Vol. 31; ISSN 0947-6539; ISSN 1521-3765

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: Germany

Language:: English

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Title: Influence of Water, Vacuum, and Temperature on Surface Conditions of a Zeolite‐based Molecular Sieve

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