In the present work, Zeolite A was modified by using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMABr) for adsorption of the Congo red (CR) dye from synthetic aqueous solutions. The Modified Zeolite A (MZA) was characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR. The influence of solution pH (in the 4–12 range), ionic strength (0.1–1 M), contact time (180 min), initial CR concentration (20–60 mg/L), temperature (24–36 °C), and an adsorbent dose (1–3 g m/L) on the % dye removal and adsorbent capacity were studied. A combined effect of the initial CR concentration and temperature on the CR removal % by MZA was also studied by applying the response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental values were in a good agreement with those that predicated by a second-order quartic model. A maximum of 99.24% dye removal and adsorbent capacity of 21.11 mg/g was achieved under the following conditions: pH = 7, initial CR concentration = 60 mg/L, temperature = 24 °C, ionic strength = 0.1 M, adsorbent dose = 3 g/L and 90 min contact time. The equilibrium data were subjected to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms, with the latter providing the best fit while kinetic adsorption studies were conducted by applying three models. The results indicated that the removal process was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The present study demonstrates that modified MZA can be utilized for the highly efficient CR dye removal.

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The interest in Gas-to-Liquid technology (GTL) is growing worldwide because it involves a two-step indirect conversion of natural gas to higher hydrocarbons ranging from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to paraffin wax. GTL makes it possible to obtain clean diesel, naphtha, lubes, olefins, and other industrially important organics from natural gas. This article is a brief review discussing the state-of-the-art of GTL, including the basics of syngas manufacturing as a source for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), hydrocarbons synthesis (Fischer-Tropsch process), and product upgrading. Each one is analyzed, and the main characteristics of traditional and catalysts technologies are presented. For syngas generation, steam methane reforming, partial oxidation, two-step reforming, and autothermal reforming of methane are discussed. For Fischer–Tropsch, we highlight the role of catalysis and selectivity to high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Also, new reactors technologies, such as microreactors, are presented. The GTL technology still faces several challenges; the biggest is obtaining the right H2:CO ratio when using a low steam-to-carbon ratio. Despite the great understanding of the carbon formation mechanism, little has been made in developing newer catalysts. Since 60–70% of a GTL plant cost is for syngas production, it needs more attention, particularly for developing the catalytic partial oxidation process (CPO), given that modern CPO processes using a ceramic membrane reactor reduce the plant’s capital cost. Improving the membrane’s mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability can commercialize the process. Catalytic challenges accompanying the FTS need attention to enhance the selectivity to produce high-octane gasoline, lower the production cost, develop new reactor systems, and enhance the selectivity to produce high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Catalytically, more attention should be given to the generation of a convenient catalyst layer and the coating process for a given configuration.

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