Experimental set-up for simultaneously wastewater treatment and carbon dioxide separation through porous materials

Abstract

The growing demand for wastewater treatment encourages the development of alternative processes. Some of the main characteristics required of these alternative processes are a small footprint, ease of operation, low sludge generation and improved efficiency. Among the current technologies, the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) are alternatives that combine some of these required characteristics. On the other hand, ever since 1959, when the term “nanotechnology” was introduced, the field of nanomaterials/nanotechnology has been experiencing literally explosive growth. As a result, the concept of going to nanoscale has opened up numerous new avenues that would otherwise be impossible with conventional bulk materials. Also, various technologies and materials have been applied for the storage of clean gas energy, which also could control the combustion process to reduce CO2 emissions. Over the years, microporous and mesoporous materials have been developed as useful technology for gas storage and separation. However, no materials can adequately meet the needs of all applications. Studying the literature, it has been found that there is currently no system allowing simultaneously the treatment of wastewater and the separation of some gas mixtures by using the same porous material. The purpose of this study was to simultaneously investigate wastewater treatment and carbon dioxide separation by developing an unique experimental stand using porous silica or zeolites as filler in the column.