Exploration of Intercalated Kaolinite Clay for the Uptake of Basic Dye by Adsorption − Equilibrium, Kinetics and Thermodynamic Studies

Abstract

Dyes are complex and sensitive organic chemicals which exposes microbial populations, aquatic lives and other living organisms to its toxic effects if their presence in water bodies or industrial effluents are not properly handled. This work therefore, comparatively studied the adsorption efficiencies of natural raw kaolinite (NRK) clay adsorbent and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) faciley intercalated kaolinite clay (DIK) adsorbent for batch adsorption of Basis Red 2 (BR2) dye. The impact of varying the contact time, temperature and other operating variables on adsorption was also considered. The two adsorbents were characterized using SEM images, FTIR and XRD patterns. Linear and non-linear regression analysis of different isotherm and kinetic models were used to describe the appropriate fits to the experimental data. Error analysis equations were also used to measure the goodness-of-fit. Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption as being monolayer on homogenous surfaces while Kinetic studies showed that Elovich model provides the best fit to experimental data. The adsorption capacities of NRK and DIK adsorbents for the uptake of BR2 were 16.30 mg/g and 32.81 mg/g, respectively (linear regression) and 19.30 mg/g and 30.81 mg/g, respectively (non-linear regression). The thermodynamic parameter, ∆G showed that BR2 dye adsorption onto the adsorbents were spontaneous. DIK adsorbent was twice efficient compared with NRK for the uptake of BR2 dye.