Catalyst Based on Sludge Derived from Wastewater Treatment of Textile Industry

Abstract

Study of the catalytic properties of residual sludge from effluent treatment plants of two textile industries -located in Quito Ecuador- with different dye finishing processes. The sludges were firstly dried at 110, 125 and 140°C to analyze the effect of the temperature on the mechanical strength, then they were calcined at 300, 600 and 900°C to verify the influence of the calcination temperature on the surface properties. The structural characterization was performed with: elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy FTIR, nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, programmed temperature reduction TPR and SEM images. The catalytic properties were studied with a thermal decomposition of glycerol and different types of oil. It is concluded that the best conditions to obtain a catalytic material from these residual sludges, were: 110°C and 600°C for drying and calcination, respectively. The catalyst with a specific area of 31.73 m2/g and presence of Cr2+ and Zn0, provided higher weight loss in the thermal decomposition reaction for glycerol and the catalyst with the specific area of 30.36 m2/g and a metallic content of Fe0 promotes higher decomposition for heavy hydrocarbons. Due to the metallic content, and the physisorption and chemisorptions capability the residual sludges of textiles industries have catalytic activity and can be used for hydrocarbon decomposition.