Removal of MTBE from aqueous solution using natural nanoclays of Iran

Abstract

In the present study, the adsorption capability of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was investigated using natural nanoclays of Iran including perlite, dolomite, diatomite, and perlite/diatomite/dolomite composite. The physicochemical properties of natural clays were determined using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope, Fourier Transform Inferred, X-ray fluorescence, and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis. The effect of sorption parameters including contact time, initial concentration, and temperature on the MTBE removal was evaluated in a batch system. The maximum monolayer sorption capacity of nanoclays for MTBE sorption was found to be in order of: diatomite (143.19 mg g⁻¹) > perlite/diatomite/dolomite (133.12 mg g⁻¹) > dolomite (103.18 mg g⁻¹) > perlite (93.13 mg g⁻¹). The kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order model. Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were used to describe the equilibrium data of MTBE sorption. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicated that the MTBE sorption using studied nanoclays was spontaneous and endothermic. The results showed that nanoclay samples due to low cost and high efficiency can be used extensively for the removal of MTBE from water in industry.

Keywords:

• MTBE
• Diatomite
• Perlite
• Dolomite
• Adsorption