Hexadecyltrimethyl Ammonium (HDTMA) and Trimethylphenyl Ammonium (TMPA) Cations intercalation of Nigerian Bentonite Clay for Multi-component Adsorption of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) from Aqueous Solution: Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies

Author(s): Kelechi E Onwuka, Jude C Igwe, Chris U Aghalibe, Anthony I Obike

Abstract

Presence of BTEX compounds in water is a global concern. The effectiveness of HDTMA and TMPA cations intercalated Bentonite, corresponding to 100% of CEC in the removal of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) in aqueous solution was assessed. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the influences of contact time and adsorbate concentration on the adsorption efficiency. FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and XRD were used to determine the adsorbent properties. Results showed that surfactant modification of the adsorbent led to structural changes and fractional attainment to equilibrium showed that equilibrium was reached after 120mins. The sorption of BTEX by Bt-HDTMA and Bt-TMPA were in the order of B