Surface Characteristics of Magnetically Activated Clinoptilolite

The effect of magnetic activation on the surface characteristics of clinoptilolite, such as particle size, surface area, pore size, and distribution, were determined. Magnetic activation was performed in an ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic field (UHF EMF) and a weak pulsed magnetic field (WPMF). A significant effect of magnetic activation was detected: particle aggregation during treatment of clinoptilolite with UHF EMF and dispersing the particles when exposed to WPMF. The average particle size of the zeolite was increased by 134 nm when treated with UHF EMF and significantly decreased by 560 nm when exposed to WPMF. An increase in modality under the influence of EMF was found. The specific adsorption capacity was increased by 1.3 and 7 times when treated in WPMF in comparison with the UHF EMF-activated sample and natural clinoptilolite, respectively. The Gaussian distribution of clinoptilolite particles as a result of the WPMF aftereffect was found. Magnetic activation practically did not affect the specific surface area of clinoptilolite. The pore volume and the relative value of dV/dlog(D) were increased to a greater extent under the influence of WPMF compared to the data obtained when the sample was treated with UHF EMF and on natural clinoptilolite.