Utilizing Mount Sinabung Volcanic Dust for Photocatalyst Composite Membranes in Water Treatment

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 51 views

Silicon Dioxide Synthesis (SiO2) from Mount Sinabung, TiO2 and PVA Volcanic Dust as a Composite Membrane for Water Treatment by Photocatalyst Method

Introduction

The increasing demand for clean water has led to the development of various technologies for water treatment. One of the most promising approaches is the use of photocatalyst composite membranes, which can effectively remove pollutants and contaminants from water. In this study, we explored the potential of utilizing Mount Sinabung volcanic ash as a source of silicon dioxide (SiO2) to produce a photocatalyst composite membrane. The membrane was synthesized by combining SiO2 with poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) using the drop-casting method. The composition of TiO2 and SiO2 in the membrane was varied to investigate its effect on the membrane's performance.

Utilizing Mount Sinabung Volcanic Dust for Photocatalyst Composite Membranes in Water Treatment

Mount Sinabung is a volcano located in Indonesia, known for its high concentration of silicon dioxide (SiO2) in its volcanic ash. In this study, we successfully utilized Mount Sinabung volcanic ash as a source of SiO2 through the co-precipitating method. The SiO2 was then combined with PVA and TiO2 to form a photocatalyst composite membrane. The membrane was made by the drop-casting method, with the PVA matrix ratio to the 1:4 filling. The composition of TiO2 and SiO2 in the membrane varied: (100:0), (80:20), (60:40), and (40:60).

Characterization of Volcanic Ash and SiO2 Extraction

The results of the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis showed that the volcanic ash of Mount Sinabung contains 48.5% SiO2, which increased to 99.1% after the extraction process. The X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) test revealed the existence of the structure of the crystal quartz, maghemite, and cristobalite in volcanic ash. The SiO2 extraction results showed quartz crystal structures that are amorphous.

Observation with Electron Microscope (SEM) Scanning

Observation with Electron Microscope (SEM) scanning showed the form of volcanic ash of Mount Sinabung that is irregular, sharp, and jagged. The analysis of Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) showed the presence of the Si-O-Si and Si-OH group, which indicates the existence of Siloxsan and Silanol.

Characterization of Composite Membrane

In the composite membrane, SiO2 and TiO2 were distributed evenly with a little agglomeration. FTIR analysis showed the formation of the Si-O-Ti group, which indicates the bond between SiO2 and TiO2. This membrane had an anatase crystal structure and amorphous peak of PVA, but the SiO2 crystal structure was not detected.

Mechanical Properties and Water Treatment Performance

The addition of SiO2 in the composite membrane had a positive impact on its mechanical properties. This membrane showed an increase in tensile strength and decreased degree of swelling. Another advantage of this membrane was its ability to absorb heavy metals in river water. Meanwhile, the addition of TiO2 and the length of time degradation had a significant effect on the decline in river water color.

Conclusion

This study shows the great potential of the use of Volcanic ash of Mount Sinabung as a source of SiO2 to produce photocatalyst composite membranes with satisfying performance in water treatment. With its ability to absorb heavy metals and degrade water colors, this membrane offers an effective solution to improve water quality and overcome water pollution problems.

Future Work

Future work should focus on scaling up the production of the composite membrane and testing its performance in real-world water treatment applications. Additionally, further research is needed to optimize the composition of the membrane and to investigate its long-term stability and durability.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Additional data and figures supporting the results of the study]

Abstract

This study explores the potential of utilizing Mount Sinabung volcanic ash as a source of silicon dioxide (SiO2) to produce a photocatalyst composite membrane. The membrane was synthesized by combining SiO2 with poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) using the drop-casting method. The results showed that the membrane had a positive impact on its mechanical properties and was able to absorb heavy metals in river water. The study demonstrates the great potential of the use of Volcanic ash of Mount Sinabung as a source of SiO2 to produce photocatalyst composite membranes with satisfying performance in water treatment.
Q&A: Silicon Dioxide Synthesis (SiO2) from Mount Sinabung, TiO2 and PVA Volcanic Dust as a Composite Membrane for Water Treatment by Photocatalyst Method

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of utilizing Mount Sinabung volcanic ash as a source of silicon dioxide (SiO2) to produce a photocatalyst composite membrane for water treatment.

Q: What is the significance of using Mount Sinabung volcanic ash as a source of SiO2?

A: Mount Sinabung volcanic ash is a rich source of SiO2, which is a key component of the photocatalyst composite membrane. By utilizing this ash, we can reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing the membrane.

Q: How was the SiO2 extracted from the volcanic ash?

A: The SiO2 was extracted from the volcanic ash using the co-precipitating method.

Q: What is the composition of the composite membrane?

A: The composite membrane is composed of SiO2, poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA), and titanium dioxide (TiO2).

Q: How was the membrane synthesized?

A: The membrane was synthesized using the drop-casting method.

Q: What are the mechanical properties of the composite membrane?

A: The addition of SiO2 in the composite membrane had a positive impact on its mechanical properties, resulting in an increase in tensile strength and a decrease in degree of swelling.

Q: Can the composite membrane absorb heavy metals in river water?

A: Yes, the composite membrane was able to absorb heavy metals in river water.

Q: How does the addition of TiO2 affect the performance of the composite membrane?

A: The addition of TiO2 had a significant effect on the decline in river water color.

Q: What are the potential applications of the composite membrane?

A: The composite membrane has potential applications in water treatment, including the removal of pollutants and contaminants from water.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small scale of the production and the need for further research to optimize the composition of the membrane.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: Future work should focus on scaling up the production of the composite membrane and testing its performance in real-world water treatment applications.

Q: Can the composite membrane be used for other applications besides water treatment?

A: While the composite membrane was designed for water treatment, its properties and performance make it a promising material for other applications, such as air filtration and biomedical devices.

Q: How can the composite membrane be improved?

A: The composite membrane can be improved by optimizing its composition, increasing its mechanical properties, and reducing its cost.

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of using the composite membrane?

A: The composite membrane has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of water treatment by reducing the amount of chemicals and energy required to treat water.

Q: Can the composite membrane be used in conjunction with other technologies for water treatment?

A: Yes, the composite membrane can be used in conjunction with other technologies for water treatment, such as filtration and disinfection.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of using the composite membrane?

A: The composite membrane has the potential to reduce the cost of water treatment and provide a new source of revenue for companies and communities.