N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ethylenediamine Functionalized Saponite as Adsorbent of Nickel from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Surface modification of saponite clay by surface functionalization using N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine was performed. This study of the physicochemical characteristics of modified saponite as a function of its functional compound content was investigated using XRD, a gas sorption analyzer, FTIR, TG analysis and SEM. It was observed that the content of N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine increases the basal spacing (d001) of the saponite structure, which changes the specific surface area and surface profile of the solid. The study of nickel adsorption provides evidence of the increased adsorption capacity of the modified saponite. The adsorption follows pseudo-second order kinetics and fits the Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) adsorption isotherms. Increased content of the modifying agent results in increased adsorption capacity. The material is reusable because regenerated materials retain greater than 90% of the adsorption capacity of fresh material.