Optimization, and Characterization of Acid-Activated Bentonite

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Egyptian Academy for Engineering and Advanced Technology

Abstract

The acid-activated bentonite clay is a low-cost adsorbent. This adsorbent was prepared using sulfuric acid reflux and was used for lead removal from wastewater resulting from batteries industries. RSM was used to optimize results, seventeen experimental runs were obtained for the production of activated bentonite clay at different variables of time (15-45min), the concentration of sulfuric acid (25-45%), and liquid per solid ratio 3-5 (ml/g). The results of response surface models of the adsorbent production together with the effect and optimization of the process parameters were discussed. The predicted maximum adsorption capacity for activated bentonite clay was 2.887 mg/g at a time of 15 minutes, the liquid to solid ratio of 3 (ml/g) & H2SO4 concentration of 40.973 %. The results from the characterization techniques (BET, TGA, FTIR, and XRD) were obtained and discussed. The adsorbent produced from bentonite showed good adsorptive properties and thermal stability. The analysis revealed that there is a rise in the specific surface area of the activated bentonite clay compared to that of the raw bentonite clay (from 41.7065 to 49.227 m²/g).

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