Effect of ETS-10 Modification On Its Dielectric Properties and Microwave Regeneration

Engelhard Titanosilicate molecular sieve (ETS-10) has unique selectivity and adsorption capacity for hydrocarbons separation and drying. Microwave heating was found to be a more efficient technique for regeneration of ETS-10 compared to conventional temperature swing regeneration (TSR). However, microwave regeneration of ETS-10 can be further improved by modifying its dielectric properties by exchanging the cations inside its structure. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of ion exchange on the dielectric properties of ETS-10 as well as its adsorption and regeneration properties. Different monovalent and divalent cations (Li⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were used for this purpose. All samples were characterized using Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDXs) and micropore surface analysis to analyze the elemental composition and the porous structure of the adsorbents, respectively. The dielectric properties of ion exchanged samples were also measured and compared to the original ETS-10. The adsorbents were loaded by adsorbing a water/CO₂ mixture. The loaded adsorbents were then regenerated at 130^oC using microwave heating. Higher adsorption capacities were found in case of Ca-ETS-10, Li-ETS-10, and Ba-ETS-10 compared to ETS-10. All ion exchanged samples yielded lower microwave energy absorbance and higher regeneration efficiency compared to ETS-10.