Utilization of Spent FCC Catalyst as Fine Aggregate in Non-sintered Brick: Alkali Activation and Environmental Risk Assessment

Abstract

This study focuses on the recycling of a spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst to produce catalyst-based non-sintered bricks (CN-bricks) for the recovery of its aluminosilicate components and the solidification of heavy metals. The effects of the content of cement (10-20%), the proportion of FCC (10-40%), and the type of an activator (NaOH/Na₂SiO₃/Na₂SO₄) on the performance of a CN-brick were investigated in terms of the mechanical strength and leaching behavior. The results show that an optimal binder system of 20% cement + Na₂SO₄ could promote the compressive strength up to 42.3 MPa; the proportion of an optimal spent FCC catalyst of 20% could achieve the lowest porosity and water absorption. The microscopic mechanism of a cementitious process was analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), proving that C-S-H and ettringite (AFt) are the two main hydration products of a CN-brick. Na₂SO₄ is superior to NaOH or Na₂SiO₃ as an activator since Na₂SO₄ takes advantage of the aluminum-rich property of a spent FCC catalyst and specifically promote the formation of a needle-like AFt. Quantitative environmental risk assessment for the utilization of a CN-brick on roads was carried out based on the leaching test of a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), NEN 7371 maximum availability test, and the hazard Index (HI) identification, and a final HI 0.0045 (<1.0) indicates an acceptable risk for environment and nearby residents as CN-bricks are utilized on roads for 30 years.

Keywords: alkali activation; environmental risk; non-sintered brick; reclycing; spent FCC catalyst.