Comparison of the catalytic behaviour of rare earth elements loaded in zeolites as heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of chemical elements with a enormous industrial application, due to their diversified properties (chemical, optical, electrical, metallurgical, catalytical and magnetic).1 Zeolites are an aluminosilicate material extensively studied in different processes, due to their properties (ion exchange capacity, high surface area and porosity).2 Zeolites and REE as heterogeneous catalysts have been used in hydrocarbon fraction of crude petroleum oils to more valuable products.3 This work uses a sustainable approach to removing REE from water through zeolites and using them as heterogeneous catalysts for degrade different pollutants using Fenton-type reactions. The catalytic performance of REE-Zeolite was compared with Fe-zeolite in phase liquide.