Enhanced Removal of Rhodamine B Dye from Aqueous Solution by Adsorption Using ZSM-5 Mesopores

Introduction: ZSM-5 with mesopores (mesoZSM-5) was prepared using a hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption at 77 K. The materials were then evaluated for the adsorption of bulk rhodamine B dye molecules from aqueous solution. Methods: ZSM-5 with mesopores (mesoZSM-5) was prepared using a hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption at 77 K. The materials were evaluated for the adsorption of rhodamine B dye molecules from aqueous solution. Results: The prepared mesoZSM-5 was highly crystalline and contained mesopores primarily 15-50 nm in diameter. The material exhibited enhanced adsorption of rhodamine B dye, with a capacity 5.7 times higher than that of conventional ZSM-5. Discussion: MesoZSM-5 maintained an MFI topology and high mesoporosity. The presence of mesopores addressed the issue of blockage during the diffusion and transport of bulk molecules such as rhodamine B dye. Conclusion: MesoZSM-5 was successfully prepared using a hydrothermal method. The enhanced adsorption of rhodamine B dye demonstrated the critical role of mesopores in facilitating bulk molecular reactions and adsorption activities in zeolites.