Efficient adsorbent based on bentonite functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane for dyes removal from aqueous solutions

The present work focuses on intercalating a natural bentonite with an organo-inorganic specieobtained by hydrolysis of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in order to improve its adsorption capacity. The material obtained is used in the deppolution of water polluted by dyes. Methylene blue is chosen as a model pollutant. In order to be able to characterize this clay after modification, we used several physico-chemical and mineralogical analysis techniques such as X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, chemical and thermal analysis. The cationic exchange capacity was determined as well. In addition, with a view to optimization, the effects of several adsorption factors, including time, pH, dye concentration, and masse of clay on the adsorption capacity of methylene blue by the adsorbent were assessed as well. The results of this study showed that Langmuir isotherm is the model which best characterized the adsorption of methylene blue by the developed adsorbent (Bent-APTES) with a capacity of 217.40 mg g^-1.Accordingly, the modified Algerian bentonite may be utilized as a potential adsorbent for the treatment of waste effluents polluted by cationic dyes from wastewaters.