Preliminary study of molecular sieve materials to alleviate problems faced by tropical peatland

Abstract

Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates usable for numerous applications, including in the separation or purification gas processes, catalysts, ion exchanger and adsorbent. These benefits are due to their molecular sieve property. One of the appropriate technologies for the peat management related to C sequestration and potential peat fire suppressor is molecular sieve material, i.e., zeolite-clinoptilolites and other gas adsorbent material taken from empty fruit bunches of oil palm (EFBOP) obtained through the pyrolysis process (biochar). This study assessed the physicochemical and morphological characterization of natural zeolite-clinoptilolite type, originated from Bayah, Banten, Indonesia, and biochar as gas adsorbent to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and C sequestration. Physicochemical characteristics of 60-80;80-100, 100-150 particles mesh size of zeolite and biochar were measured according to standard analytical procedures based on Kepmentan 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019. Mineralogical characteristics and the capacity to absorb greenhouse gasses (CO2 and N2) were determined using SEM-EDS and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller analysis, respectively. The result indicated that 100-150 mesh zeolite had a higher CEC value (126.45 cmol(+) kg-1), CO2 (1.0586 mmol g-1) and N2 adsorption capacity (75.6 cm3 g-1), compared to biochar originated from EFBOP 26.9 cmol(+) kg-1; 0.071 mmol g-1; and 1.66 cm3 g-1, respectively. Biochar observed in this research yielded a higher pH and organic carbon content, with larger pore space. Combining zeolite and biochar provided an optimal result to deplete greenhouse gas emission i.e., 0.3662 mmol g-1, and improved water retention as indicated by water holding capacity percentage.