Fabrication of NaX zeolite/ZnFe2O4 as a magnetically separable nanocomposite catalyst for the removal of sulfur mustard agent simulant from aqueous solution

In the present research, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were successfully supported on the NaX zeolite by the ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal route to achieve the magnetically separable NaX/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite catalyst. The as-fabricated nanocomposite was identified applying FESEM, EDAX, XRD, FTIR, AFM, and VSM analyses. The NaX/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite was then used for the effective removal of sulfur mustard agent simulant 2- chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) from aqueous solution and monitored by the GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Besides, the influences of multiple factors such as contact time, catalyst amount and catalyst type on the removal efficiency of 2-CEES were investigated in detail. By applying 100 mg of NaX/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite in n-hexane solvent, a removal yield of 100% was attained after 120 min of contact time. Lastly, the presence of elimination and hydrolysis products, including ethyl vinyl sulfide (EVS) and 2-hydroxy ethyl ethyl sulfide (2- HEES) from the 2-CEES degradation on the NaX/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite were clearly affirmed.

Keywords:

NaX/ZnFe2O4 , nanocomposite catalyst , removal , 2-CEES , EVS , 2-HEES.