Modification of fibrous silicates surfaces with organic derivatives: An infrared spectroscopic study

Preparation and characterization of clay based ceramic porous membranes and their use for the removal of lead ions from synthetic wastewater with an insight into the removal mechanism

The present study explores the use of local clay from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to prepare porous ceramic membranes (flat disk shape) for the purpose of removing toxic heavy metals from contaminated water. Four distinct ceramic membranes, crafted from locally sourced clay and incorporated with activated carbon and graphite, underwent careful and thorough preparation. The initial set of membranes was subjected to open-air sintering, resulting in the creation of mACA and mGrA membranes. Concurrently, a second set of meticulously prepared membranes underwent sintering under inert nitrogen conditions, yielding the formation of mACI and mGrI membranes, respectively. Prior to making the membranes, the clay material was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The clay presented the lowest weight loss compared to AC and Gr, implying that these two materials could be used as porogen agents. The X-ray fluorescence results indicated that the natural clay contained 65.5 wt% of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), and iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) falling within the class C category of clays according to ASTM. The FTIR analysis showed different clay regions allocated to various stretching and deformation vibrations of hydroxide, organic fraction, and (Si, Al, Fe)-O groups. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of kaolinite, illite, smectite and calcite phyllite phases in the clay mineral. The membranes were characterized using FESEM, with those containing AC (used as porogen) exhibiting large pores clearly visible on the surface, and were tested for the removal of lead (Pb2+) ions from synthetic wastewater. The removal efficiencies of the membranes were 33 %, 75.2 %, 100 % and 100 % for mACA, mACI, mGrA and mGrI respectively after 100 min operation. The wettability of the membranes was found to follow the order mACI < mACA < mGrI < mGrA, which corroborated well with water fluxes of 7, 8, 112 and 214 L h-1 m-2 recorded after 60 min duration and 1.0 bar applied pressure. The mechanisms of filtration of Pb2+ ions were adsorption for the AC-based membranes (mACA, mACI) and a combination of adsorption and size exclusion for the Gr-based membranes (mGrA, mGrI).

Removal Ability of Bacillus licheniformis on Waxy Cuticle on Wheat Straw Surface

The outermost surface of wheat straw (WS) is covered with hydrophobic lipophilic extracts and silica, which affects follow-up processes such as impregnation pretreatment of pulping and papermaking. In this study, a strain named Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) was screened from the black liquor of papermaking, which was used to explore the effect of its treatment on the waxy cuticle of WS. Scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed that the B. licheniformis had a certain destructive effect on the outer surface of WS and the content of Si on the outer surface decreased by 80%. The results of FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) displayed that the wax composition on the outer surface of WS decreased and the fiber structure inside appeared. The mechanical properties of paper demonstrated that the treated WS is still feasible in this field and the content of Si in the black liquor is reduced by 33%. Therefore, the WS treated by B. licheniformis can destroy the waxy cuticle on its outer surface and improve the wettability of WS. It provides a new idea to alleviate the “Si interference” problem of alkali recovery in WS traditional pulping and papermaking.

Bioinspired polydopamine deposition and silane grafting modification of bamboo fiber for improved interface compatibility of poly (lactic acid) composites

The surface of bamboo fiber (BF) has poor interface compatibility with the surface of the poly (lactic acid) (PLA), which compromises composite performance. In this study, a bioinspired polydopamine (PDA) function coating was constructed on a BF surface to act as a bridge to introduce an epoxy-functionalized silane layer (KH560). The results of the test confirmed that KH560 was successfully grafted onto the surface of the BF. Therefore, the flexural, tensile, and impact strength of the modified composites increased by 37.22%, 49.64%, and 26.66%, respectively, compared with that of the untreated composites. Furthermore, the PDA-KH560-modified BF enhanced the PLA composites' thermal stability. This strategy is assumed to provide a simple and green method for improving interface adhesion strength and potentials for future manufacturing of high-performance composites.

Removal of cadmium and lead from aqueous solutions by thermal activated electrolytic manganese residues

Electrolytic manganese residues (EMR) is produced from the electrolysis manganese industry. In this study, the thermal activated EMRs (T-EMR) were used to adsorb cadmium and lead from aqueous solution. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were adopted to characterize EMR before and after the modification, and the performance and adsorption mechanisms of T-EMR for cadmium and lead were determined. Results show that the pH has a strong influence on the adsorption of cadmium and lead and the maximum adsorption capacity can be achieved at pH 6. The adsorption of Cd(II) can be better fitted by the Lagergren pseudo-first-order dynamic model, while that of Pb(II) fits the pseudo-second-order kinetic model better. The Freundlich isotherm model fits the adsorption of two metals better than Langmuir model. The thermodynamic results demonstrate that the adsorption of Cd(II) or Pb(II) on T-EMR is endothermic and spontaneous. As the nitric acid with pH 0.5 was used, nearly all of the adsorbed Cd(II) and 75% Pb(II) can be desorbed from the loaded T-EMR. It is concluded that the adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) on T-EMR is in virtue of electrostatic attraction, ion-exchange and surface precipitation. The heavy metals are mainly adsorbed on ferric and manganese oxides and silicate minerals in T-EMR by electrostatic attraction. In addition, cadmium and lead also can be adsorbed via the ion exchange reaction. Moreover, some Pb(II) are adsorbed by forming lead sulfate. Thus, T-EMR may be an environmentally-friendly, effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution.

Characterization of the firing behaviour of an illite-kaolinite clay mineral and its potential use as membrane support

The commercial value of any clay depends on its physical and chemical properties, these could help in tuning the characteristics of ceramic membrane supports required at extreme filtration conditions. The characteristics of two clay minerals named SA and CH were studied at various firing temperatures. The composition in oxides of both raw materials consisted of quartz (44.40 ± 0.60 to 46.98 ± 0.57 m%), alumina (13.16 ± 0.56 to 19.64 ± 0.48 m%), iron oxide (4.85 ± 0.46 to 6.37 ± 0.70 m %), and relatively smaller amounts of alkaline-earth oxides (3.34 ± 0.43 to 5.98 ± 0.33 m% calcium oxide and 1.98 ± 0.18 to 5.87 ± 0.34 m% for magnesium oxide). XRD of the investigated samples indicated the presence of kaolinite and illite as pure clay fractions in the clay mineral. SEM showed that the clay minerals were constituted from fine poorly crystalline particles with particles’ size more than 5 μm. The specific surface areas of the clay minerals were found to vary between 94.5 ± 6.3 to 138.6 ± 4.2 m²/g using methylene blue stain test, indicating that, the clay minerals fall within chlorite, illite, and kaolinite categories. The porosity of the clay supports made from both clays were found to be maximal with values of 23.45% ± 0.66 and 21.61% ± 0.60 for SA and CH clay materials respectively at 700°C. These values were a direct result of capillary movements of water in the specimen pores that were opened to the outside leading to the highest number macropores and mesopores in the specimen.

Exploring Hybrid Imogolite Nanotube Formation via Si/Al Stoichiometry Control

Hybrid imogolite aluminosilicate nanotubes with methylated internal surface can be obtained by introduction of the corresponding organosilane during their synthesis. However, similarly to pristine imogolite, a number of side products, including proto-imogolite (open-imoLS), allophanes, and aluminum hydroxides, are formed, which ultimately impact on the properties of the dispersions. In order to minimize the proportion of these side products, we have here systematically explored the impact of the initial Si/Al ratio on the content of hybrid imogolite dispersions before and after dialysis. By combining cryo-transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering, we evidenced that the Si/Al ratio has a large impact on the formation of aluminum hydroxides that can be minimized with a slight excess of Si precursor. However, a large excess of Si is detrimental to the reaction yield leading to an important proportion of proto-imogolite. We propose that the optimal Si/Al ratio of ca. 0.6 can both minimize the proportion of aluminum hydroxides and proto-imogolite. These results suggest that the dynamic and therefore reactive character of imogolite dispersions may have been so far underlooked.

Detailed Analysis of Wheat Straw Node and Internode for Their Prospective Efficient Utilization

In order to efficiently utilize wheat straw, the systematic examination of their cell wall components, chemical structures, morphology, and relation to the physicochemical and mechanical properties is necessary. Detailing of node and internode signifies their different features and characteristics which can ultimately lead to their separated processing for enhanced efficiency and higher value-added biorefinery. In this study, distinct variations were found among characteristics of node and internode, inner and outer surface. It was revealed that the node has more extractives, Klason lignin, and ash content than the internode; higher contents of extractives and ash in the node are related to the thicker epidermis tissue. Hot water followed by mild steam pretreatment was used to examine the effects on the characteristics of wheat straw. The results showed: (1) reduced level of waxes and Si (weight %) from the outer surface and (2) significantly lower (P < 0.05) extractives content in both internode and node.

Natural silica sand modified by calcium oxide as a new adsorbent for uranyl ions removal from aqueous solutions

Calcium oxide modified El-Zafarana silica sand (CMZS) was prepared as a new adsorbent for U(VI) removal from aqueous solutions in a series of batch experiments. The new adsorbent CMZS was characterized by different analysis techniques SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. The influence of many parameters on the removal process like; effect of pH, contact time, U(VI) initial concentration and temperature on U(VI) removal were investigated. Kinetic experiments showed that U(VI) removal on CMZS followed pseudo-second-order kinetics model appropriately and the equilibrium data agreed well with the Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetics and isothermal data reveal the chemisorption process of U(VI) on CMZS. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔG°) were evaluated from temperature dependent adsorption data and the U(VI) removal on CMZS was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature. U(VI) desorption from CMZS was studied by a simple acid treatment. The results indicate that CMZS is an effective adsorbent for U(VI) from aqueous solutions.

Characterization of ginger essential oil/palygorskite composite (GEO-PGS) and its anti-bacteria activity

To explore a novel kind of anti-bacterial composite material having the excellent antibacterial ability, stability and specific-targeting capability, palygorskite (PGS) was used as the carrier of ginger essential oil (GEO) and a novel kind of composite GEO-PGS was prepared by ion exchange process. The characterization and the antibacterial activity of GEO-PGS was investigated in this study. Results of FTIR, XPS, XRD,TG analysis and SEM observation demonstrated the combination of GEO and PGS, GEO was absorbed on the surface of PGS, and the content of GEO in the composite was estimated to be 18.66%. Results of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis, growth curve and Gram staining analysis of Staphylococci aureus and Escherichia coli exposed to GEO-PGS showed that GEO-PGS had much higher antibacterial activity than GEO, and GEO-PGS had the specific-targeting antibacterial capability. Moreover, GEO-PGS showed the characteristics of thermo-stability, acidity and alkalinity-resistance in exerting its anti-bacteria activity. In conclusion, the novel composite GEO-PGS combined the bacteria-absorbent activity of PGS and the antibacterial activity of GEO, suggesting the great potential application of GEO-PGS as the novel composite substance with high antibacterial activity.

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) supported by natural and acid-activated sepiolites: the effect of the nZVI/support ratio on the composite properties and Cd2+ adsorption

Natural (SEP) and partially acid-activated (AAS) sepiolites were used to prepare composites with nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) at different (SEP or AAS)/nZVI ratios in order to achieve the best nZVI dispersibility and the highest adsorption capacity for Cd²⁺. Despite the higher surface area and pore volume of AAS, better nZVI dispersibility was achieved by using SEP as the support. On the other hand, a lower oxidation degree was achieved during the synthesis using AAS. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the composite with the best nZVI dispersibility, before and after Cd²⁺ adsorption, confirmed that the surface of the nZVI was composed of oxidized iron species. Metallic iron was not present on the surface, but it was detected in the subsurface region after sputtering. The content of zerovalent iron decreased after Cd²⁺ adsorption as a result of iron oxidation during Cd²⁺ adsorption. The XPS depth profile showed that cadmium was present not only at the surface of the composite but also in the subsurface region. The adsorption isotherms for Cd²⁺ confirmed that the presence of SEP and AAS decreased the agglomeration of the nZVI particles in comparison to the pure nZVI, which provided a higher adsorption capacity. The results showed that the prevention of both aggregation and oxidation during the synthesis was necessary for obtaining an SEP/AAS-nZVI composite with a high adsorption capacity, but oxidation during adsorption was beneficial for Cd²⁺ removal. The formation of strong bonds between Cd²⁺ and the adsorbents sites of different energy until monolayer formation was proposed according to modeling of the adsorption isotherms.

Highly effective removal of Methylene Blue using functionalized attapulgite via hydrothermal process

Attapulgite (APT) has been frequently used for the adsorptive removal of dyes from aqueous solution owing to its unique one-dimensional nanoscale structure and low-cost, abundant, eco-friendly advantages. In this work, APT was functionalized under mild hydrothermal condition using chloroacetic acid (CA) with COOH functional groups to improve its adsorption properties. The effect of hydrothermal modification on the microstructure and physicochemical features of APT was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy analyses. The effects of hydrothermal reaction parameters on the adsorption properties of modified APT were intensively investigated. It was revealed that the rearrangement of crystal structure and the surface functionalization of APT with COOH groups cause the surprising increase of adsorption capability for Methylene Blue (MB). The removal ratio of raw APT for MB is only 59.52%, while modified APT could almost completely remove MB in the 200 mg/L of MB solution with a removal ratio of 99.8%. The adsorption kinetics fitted pseudo second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption isotherm could be described with Langmuir isotherm model very well. The hydrogen-bonding interaction, electrostatic attraction and chemical association are the main driving force for the adsorption process.

Glycine-assisted evolution of palygorskite via a one-step hydrothermal process to give an efficient adsorbent for capturing Pb(ii) ions

As the materials of “green 21^st century material worlds”, natural silicates have received unprecedented attention by virtue of their abundance, low-cost, stability, and non-toxic and eco-friendly nature compared to other synthetic materials.

Using iron-loaded sepiolite obtained by adsorption as a catalyst in the electro-Fenton oxidation of Reactive Black 5

This study explores the possibility of using iron-loaded sepiolite, obtained by recovering iron from polluted water, as a catalyst in the electro-Fenton oxidation of organic pollutants in textile effluents. The removal of iron ions from aqueous solution by adsorption on sepiolite was studied in batch tests at iron concentrations between 100 and 1,000 ppm. Electro-Fenton experiments were carried out in an electrochemical cell with a working volume of 0.15 L, an air flow of 1 L/min, and 3 g of iron-loaded sepiolite. An electric field was applied using a boron-doped diamond anode and a graphite sheet cathode connected to a direct current power supply with a constant potential drop. Reactive Black 5 (100 mg/L) was selected as the model dye. The adsorption isotherms proved the ability of the used adsorbent. The removal of the iron ion by adsorption on sepiolite was in the range of 80-100 % for the studied concentration range. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were found to be applicable in terms of the relatively high regression values. Iron-loaded sepiolite could be used as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the degradation of organic dyes in the electro-Fenton process. Successive batch processes were performed at optimal working conditions (5 V and pH 2). The results indicate the suitability of the proposed combined process, adsorption to iron remediation followed by the application of the obtained iron-loaded sepiolite to the electro-Fenton technique, to oxidize polluted effluents.

Immobilization of β-Glucosidase on Modified Attapulgite

Attapulgite was modified with different methods and used as support to immobilize β-glucosidase. Effects of enzyme dosage, pH, temperature and time in immobilization on stabilities of immobilized β-glucosidase were investigated. The results showed that the optimum immobilization conditions of β-glucosidase on organic modification attapulgite were as follows: enzyme dosage 3600 U/g, temperature 50 °C, time 60 min and pH 5.0. The thermal and storage stabilities of immobilized β-glucosidase were improved significantly.

Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment on Structural Character of Palygorskite and Adsorption Efficiency for Methylene Blue

Palygorskite is widely used as an adsorbent for all kinds of pollutants in wastewater. The effect of hydrothermal treatment parameters including temperature and time on palygorskite's structural character and its adsorption of methylene blue were studied. The structures of the prepared palygorskite adsorbent were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (IR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The results illustrate that the palygorskite fibers become shorter evidenced by TEM analysis, but there is no obvious destruction of crystal structure in XRD patterns. The BET specific surface area of palygorskite gets the largest after hydrothermal treatment at 110 °C, and then gradually reduces. Correspondingly, the adsorption capacity of methylene blue (MB) on palygorskite increases at 110 °C and then decreases till 250 °C.

Surface modification of sepiolite in aqueous gels by using methoxysilanes and its impact on the nanofiber dispersion ability

Surface modification reactions on needle-like sepiolite using alkyl and functional silanes have been carried out in the form of aqueous gels. In contrast with modifications in organic solvents, reactions in water make it possible to modify the surface of almost-individual sepiolite fibers and produce either a continuous coating or a nanotexturization of the sepiolite fiber surface, depending on the reaction conditions. This clean procedure substitutes advantageously organic solvent surface modifications and allows the tuning of surface properties such as specific surface area, wetting behavior, and chemical functionalization. A consequence of such tuning is, for example, the excellent dispersion of modified sepiolite nanofibers in a great variety of polymers by routine compounding and processing techniques.

Preparation and characterization of chrysotile for use as nanofiller in polyolefins

Chrysotile was treated using three methods to reduce its toxicity and prepare it for use as nanofiller in olefin polymerization. In two of the treatments chrysotile was leached with hydrochloric acid at different concentrations, 0.1 and 3.0 M, and subsequently subjected to thermal treatment. In the third method the chrysotile was only exposed to a thermal treatment at 800 °C. The treated chrysotiles were characterized by BET, SEM-EDX, XRD, TEM and DRIFTS. The dilute acid treatment was the most efficient and gave a material with a nanotube morphology, with reduced toxicity, high aspect ratio and high concentrations of isolated OH groups. All the treatments gave particles with nanometric dimensions interesting for use as nanofillers in nanocomposites and also as support for catalysts.

Silylation of layered double hydroxides via a calcination-rehydration route

Silylated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized through a surfactant-free method involving an in situ condensation of silane with the surface hydroxyl group of LDHs during its reconstruction in carbonate solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the silylation reaction occurred on the external surfaces of LDHs layers. The successful silylation was evidenced by (29)Si cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance ((29)Si CP/MAS NMR) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy, and infrared emission spectroscopy (IES). The ribbon shaped crystallites with a "rodlike" aggregation were observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The aggregation was explained by the T(2) and T(3) types of linkage between adjacent silane molecules as indicated in the (29)Si NMR spectrum. In addition, the silylated products show high thermal stability by maintained Si related bands even when the temperature was increased to 1000 degrees C as observed in IES spectra.

Edge-modification of laponite with dimethyl-octylmethoxysilane

This study examines the edge modification of laponite, with a monoalkoxy silane, dimethyl-octylmethoxysilane. The influence of ultrasonics, aging time and silane concentration on the resultant materials is examined. The silylated clays are characterized by XRD, IES, TGA, and Si NMR. The amount of grafted silane was increased by increasing the ratio of silane to clay, sonication of the reaction mixture and ageing the reaction mixture for no more than 24 h to avoid removal of grafted silane due to equilibrium effects.