Electrically activated zeolite for reducing seawater salinity

We have electrically activated natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) to enhance the reduction ability of zeolite for seawater desalination. Activation was carried out using a voltage source of 8 V and 12 V for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. A salinometer is used to measure changes in seawater salinity after being treated with electrically activated zeolite. The salinity reduction value is expressed in percent reduction ( η ), which is measured every hour for 24 hours. Zeolite activated at a voltage of 8 V for 15 minutes was able to reduce seawater salinity by up to 5.7%. Zeolite activated at 12 V for 10 minutes was able to reduce salinity by up to 7.2%. Both values are higher compared to zeolite, which was thermally activated at 225 °C for 3 hours (4.8%). We have succeeded in increasing the adsorptivity of natural zeolite through a much shorter activation process with higher reduction efficiency compared to using thermal treatment, which takes up to 3 hours. Activation of zeolite using electric current can be a preferential option because it is carried out in an uncomplicated process in a brief time and does not involve the use of chemicals that have the potential to damage the environment.