Chemical modification of bentonite with hydrochloric acid leaching under ultrasound radiation

The prominent and functional features of clay minerals along with their accessibility and affordability, have led to the use of these minerals in various industries. The clay is found in nature abundantly and can be used in its natural form or modified according to its application before use. This will improve their catalytic properties. Bentonite is a type of clay with a layer structure that is classified in this group. In the present project, a sample of bentonite of Iran, a mineral in East Azarbaijan province, was chemically modified with hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The bentonite structure changes caused by acid modification were determined by XRD patterns and SEM images. Studies have shown that when the clay is in contact with strong inorganic acids for some minutes, its surface and its adsorption activity increase.