Removal of methylene blue from water using acid-activated bentonite clay: a feasibility study.

ALMEIDA, L. S.; OLIVEIRA, R. N.; KUHN, B. B. de L.; LOPES, T. G. da C.; MIDDEA, A.; LIMA, E. M. B.; BIGANSOLLI, A. R.

Removal of methylene blue from water using acid-activated bentonite clay: a feasibility study.

Autores

Descripción

This study highlights the significance of acid functionalization in enhancing the adsorption capacity of bentonite clay from Novo Hamburgo, Brazil, for the efficient removal of methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. Employing hydrochloric (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for acid activation, we demonstrate a substantial improvement in the clay's surface properties and adsorption efficiency. A comprehensive characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and ImageJ software analysis revealed distinct effects of acid treatments. Notably, HCl treatment preserved essential components like Al2O3 and Fe2O3, whereas H2SO4 resulted in significant leaching. The acid-activated samples exhibited remarkable methylene blue adsorption, confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy. The enhanced adsorption capacity of acid-activated bentonite clay compared to natural clay underscores its potential as a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent for cationic dye removal. These findings contribute to sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, emphasizing the importance of acid functionalization and the reliability of UV-VIS spectroscopy for monitoring adsorption processes. The study demonstrates the potential of acid-activated bentonite clay for practical applications in wastewater treatment.