Organo-Pillared-Clay: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications for Treatment of Perfluoroalkyl Substances

Anthropogenic toxic pollutants are ubiquitous and need to be removed from the environment. This study investigates the preparation of an inorganic-organic modified clay (organo-pillared-clay) for the removal of contaminants. The present work investigates the compositional, structural and sorption properties of modified clay materials for the removal of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). The chemical compositions of the clay materials used were determined by interlayer and surface analysis. The results showed changes in interlayer spacing and external surface area due to modification and surfactant addition during the cation exchange reaction. The combination of adsorption and irradiation increased removal efficiency, although photodegradation was partially inhibited. Modified clays show promise for PFHpA remediation, with potential for optimizing photodegradation processes. Bentonites as part of clays are known for their good adsorption capacities for many contaminants. The group of perfluoroalkyl substances are so-called forever chemicals, which need to be removed and decomposed. This paper focuses on the preparation and characterization of a new inorganic-organic bentonite for the removal of perfluoroheptanoic acid. image