Porous ceramic Based on Cost-Effective Natural Zeolite and Kaolin for Removal of Ammonium Ions: Preparation, Characterization and Application

Authors

  • Denis Dinić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Katarina Sokić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Jelena Dikić Innovation Centre of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Vesna Nikolić Innovation Centre of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Aleksandar Marinković University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Zoran Anđić Innovative Centre of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Željko Kamberović University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Sanja Jevtić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

In this study, porous ceramics, based on available and cost-effective raw materials natural zeolite and kaolin clay, were synthesized and examined as an adsorbent for removing ammonium (NH4+) ions from aqueous solutions. The synthesis was carried out using the foaming method with the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate as the foaming agent, polyvinyl alcohol as an organic binder, and hydrogen peroxide as the blowing agent. The obtained green and sintered samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After sintering, the porosity was 79.49%. The NH4+ adsorption kinetics and isotherms fit the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, confirming chemisorption. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained using the Langmuir model was approximately 7.66 mg g-1. The thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption is a spontaneous and exothermic process. Based on the obtained results, it was demonstrated that the synthesis of porous ceramics based on natural zeolite and kaolin clay is a practical way to increase the adsorption performance of natural zeolite for NH4+ removal from water solutions.

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Published

2026-06-02

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

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