Adsorption and characteristics of base-treated pillared clays

The effect of base treatment on the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of pillared clays and their adsorption isotherms for Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺ and Pb²⁺ have been investigated. Results indicate that although the CEC of pillared clays are only about 15% of that of the parent clays, a large fraction of the native clays CEC may be recovered by treatment with base. The fraction of the CEC recovered depends upon the base strength, its concentration, and the temperature. Contrary to previous suggestions the mechanism of recovery is related to the destruction of pillars which is accompanied by the loss of surface area. It is possible under conditions specified to prepare these base treated pillared clays as a new class of useful, regenerable adsorbent for heavy metal adsorption from aqueous solution.