kaolinite and 2-naphthol-orange

The comparative adsorption of Tropaeolin (TP) onto raw kaolinite (RK) and kaolinite submitted to acid treatment (AK) was studied. RK and AK were characterized by zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The adsorption was investigated using Composite Central Design (CCD) and the parameters evaluated were initial TP solution concentration, quantity of adsorbent and the pH of the solution. The optimized parameters were: initial TP solution concentration of 75 mg L(-1), pH 4 and 0.12 g adsorbent. Kinetic data were evaluated by pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Avrami models. The equilibrium adsorption was analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips isotherms. The kinetic data were best fitted to the pseudo-second order model. The Sips isotherm model gives the better correlation to predict the adsorption equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacities were 18.3 mg g(-1) and 23.2 mg g(-1) for RK and AK, respectively. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the process was spontaneous, endothermic and involving the disorganization of the adsorption system for both adsorbents. The desorption step showed that the AK sample was more suitable as an adsorbent.

Topics: Acids; Adsorption; Azo Compounds; Benzenesulfonates; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kaolin; Kinetics; Molecular Structure; Thermodynamics; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Pollutants, Chemical

Preparation of nanocomposite kaolinite/TiO(2), using hydrolysis of titanyl sulfate in the presence of kaolin was addressed. A variable (kaolin)/(titanyl sulfate) ratio has been used in order to achieve the desired TiO(2) content in prepared nanocomposites. Calcination of the composites at 600 °C led to the transformation of the kaolinite to metakaolinite and to origination of metakaolinite/TiO(2) composites. The prepared samples were investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the UV-VIS region. Structural ordering of TiO(2) on the kaolinite particle surface was modeled using empirical force field atomistic simulations in the Material Studio modeling environment. Photodegradation activity of the composites prepared was evaluated by the discoloration of Acid Orange 7 aqueous solution.

Topics: Azo Compounds; Benzenesulfonates; Coloring Agents; Computer Simulation; Environmental Pollutants; Industrial Waste; Kaolin; Nanocomposites; Photolysis; Surface Properties; Titanium