Efficient chloride removal by macroporous pseudo-boehmite: Performance and mechanistic insights in diverse cationic environments

  • Mingquan Cheng
  • , Xiaodan Zhao*
  • , Yuchen Xu
  • , Yunya Zheng
  • , Qiaoling Zhu
  • , Yitao Ma
  • , Yiwei Zhang
  • , Zhenlong Liao
  • , Qing Xia
  • , Zhen Zhou*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater represents a significant environmental challenge due to its high chloride ions (Cl) content, which accelerates corrosion and compromises operational issues in coal-fired power plants. The Friedel's salt precipitation (FSP) method is a promising zero liquid discharge (ZLD) strategy for Cl removal. However, the conventional process using NaAlO2 faces intrinsic limitations due to Na+-induced side reactions and low aluminum utilization rate (AUR). This study introduces macroporous pseudo-boehmite (MPB) as a novel, sodium-free aluminum source to overcome these restrictions and achieve highly efficient Cl removal via cation-specific coordination pathways. Systematic investigation of MPB dissolution under varied hydrochemical conditions revealed enhanced aluminum leaching kinetics. Batch tests in NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 solutions demonstrated that Ca2+/Mg2+ significantly enhanced Cl removal (up to 88 %) and AUR (∼59 %) by facilitating direct FS formation, avoiding charge compensation, and inhibiting competing byproducts. Kinetic and phase analyses indicated that Na+ accelerated initial dissolution but favored by-product (Ca3Al2OH12) formation at high temperatures, whereas Ca2+/Mg2+ enhanced FS stability. The MPB-based FSP process achieved faster equilibration (20 min at 80 °C) and higher efficiency, positioning it as a sustainable alternative for ZLD implementation of hazardous high-chloride wastewater.

Original languageEnglish
Article number136652
JournalSeparation and Purification Technology
Volume387
DOIs
StatePublished - 17 Apr 2026

Keywords

  • Cationic environments
  • Chloride removal
  • Friedel's salt
  • Macroporous pseudo-boehmite
  • Zero liquid discharge

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Efficient chloride removal by macroporous pseudo-boehmite: Performance and mechanistic insights in diverse cationic environments'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this