Abstract:
In this work, a white Ca-bentonite from Boane region in Southern Mozambique was successively
subjected to Na2CO3 activation and organo-modification process aiming to use the resulting
hybrids as adsorbent materials in wastewater treatment. In the organo-modification process, the
study explored a different route of organoclays production. Instead of the conventional organo modification route based on surfactants, the study used the so-called “surfactant-free organo modification approach”. Experimental results confirmed the successful ion exchange of Ca2+
ions with Na+
ions since the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and Na/Ca ratio increased,
respectively, from 67.5 up to 74 meq/100 g clay and from 2.94 up to 15.8, as the concentration of
Na2CO3, activation temperature and stirring time varied, respectively, from 2 to 6 wt.%, 25 to 65
◦C and from 2 to 4 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the organo-modification process
using the “surfactant free approach” has taken place since the main smectite peak of the polymer
modified clays shifted to the left side up to 18.4A
o
. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM)
images of the polymer modified clays presented compact layers in their structures, suggesting
that the protonated amine functional groups at the ends of the polymer chains have attached the
surface of the clay. The sodium activation and organo-modification processes increased the
phenol adsorption capacity of the clay. Phenol adsorption capacity increased in the order of
increasing polymer concentration. Under the current study conditions, the maximum adsorbed
phenol was observed at the maximum polymer concentration, 7.5 wt.% polymer.
