Dry-gel Conversion Synthesis of Magnetic BEA-type Zeolites for Antibiotics Adsorption

The dry-gel conversion method (DGC) is a promising synthesis protocol for preparing magnetic zeolite composites as it yields homogeneous composite particles with more rapid crystallization, smaller reactor volume, and less waste production than the conventional hydrothermal method. This work investigates the optimal conditions for preparing magnetic BEA-type zeolites using the DGC method, including the gel/water ratio, crystallization temperature and time. Precursor dry-gel incorporating well-dispersed magnetite was subjected to crystallization under water vapor atmosphere with a gel/water ratio of 0.5–2, crystallization temperature of 140–200 °C for 1.5–12 h, followed by characterization using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The optimum conditions were found to be gel/water ratio of 1 and crystallization at 180 °C for 12 h. Magnetic properties of collected samples were evaluated using a vibrating-sample magnetometer after calcination at 400–500 °C for 12 h. Products calcined below 450 °C showed good magnetic properties. Adsorption of sulfadiazine using the BEA and magnetic BEA-type zeolites was evaluated in a 10–50 mg/l range. Results revealed favorable multilayer-type adsorption of sulfadiazine onto both non-magnetic and magnetic BEA-type zeolites (Freundlich model). These indicate that DGC method is suitable for preparing high-silica magnetic BEA-type zeolites with potential for antibiotic removal.