ABSTRACT
Natural clay minerals are plentiful and useful, and because of their distinct physical and chemical characteristics, they have a wide range of applications in many different sectors. Since it increases their adsorption capacity and catalytic capabilities, acid activation of clay minerals like bentonite has received extensive research. With a specific focus on its possible applications in various temperature-dependent processes, this study examines the effect of temperature on the acid activation of clay derived from GEGU-EGBA region, Kogi state.Natural clay samples from GEGU-EGBA region in Kogi state were collected for the investigation, and they were then subjected to acid activation treatments at two different temperatures (200°C and 400°C). After activation, the clay underwent structural changes that were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller analysis. Additionally, specific surface area measurements and cation exchange capacity (CEC) assessments were conducted to quantify the extent of activation. The findings showed that temperature had a major impact on the acid activation process. Because impurities were removed and the interlayer spacing was expanded at higher temperatures (400°C), the clay showed greater surface area and pore size than it did at lower temperatures (200°C). According to FT-IR research, new functional groups were also formed on the clay surface at the same time. According to the results, clay from GEGU-EGBA region in Kogi state can be acid activated at specified temperature ranges to maximize its performance in a variety of applications. For instance, the higher temperature-produced activated clay with greater surface area and improved adsorption capability may be used in wastewater treatment and purification procedures. On the other hand, although having more surface area, the clay samples that were activated at higher temperatures may be appropriate for high-temperature catalytic reactions because of their altered mineralogical composition. Temperature also had an impact on the clay's cation exchange capacity (CEC), with a considerable element weight percent fluctuation being noted when heated at 200°C and 400°C. This implies that the activated clay could also be used as a successful ion-exchange material in applications for improving soil and retaining nutrients. In conclusion, this research elucidates the significant influence of temperature on the acid activation of clay sourced from GEGU-EGBA. By carefully selecting the activation temperature, the clay's properties can be tailored for specific applications, ranging from adsorption to catalysis and ion exchange. Understanding these temperature-dependent effects is crucial for harnessing the full potential of this locally abundant resource and advancing its utilization in various industrial and environmental contexts. Further studies could explore the optimization of activation parameters to fine-tune the clay's properties for specific applications and delve deeper into its performance in practical scenarios.
