Saudi Arabian White Silica as a Good Adsorbent for Pollutants

Abstract

The Saudi Arabian white silica is used as a starting material for preparation of adsorbent for heavy metals and some organic dyes. Hydrothermal treatment of white silica with aluminum source resulted in an amorphous phase of microporous materials with large enhancement of ion exchange properties in addition to adsorption of some organic dyes. In this research we examine the modified white silica towards ion exchange of Cu 2þ , Co 2þ , and Ni 2þ ions. The ion exchange curve was elucidated. Cu 2þ has higher affinity for ion exchange while Co 2þ and Ni 2þ nearly the same affinity. Adsorption of methylene blue and methyl red was examined and a simulation study was performed.