Abstract
Background: Brazilian bentonites have a low sodium concentration in their interlayer structure. This is a problem with most of the industrial applications that demand the characteristics of sodium bentonites.
Objective: As a solution for this limitation, sodium carbonate is added to in natura clays, promoting ion exchange between other interlayer cations with sodium.
Methods: A process was used based on the principle of Stokes’ Law (BR Patent 10 2013 016298). For this, we used four glass columns in series, in which a high water flow was considered to obtain purified clays. It was proposed as a simple, fast and economical method for sodium determination that was developed and applied in bentonites by flame photometry. The equipment calibration was performed with a NaCl standard solution in concentrations between 80 and 110 ppm. The bentonites in the suspension were separated by means of centrifugation, being thus analyzed by a flame photometer.
Results: The samples were prepared according to the manufacturer’s specifications to contain detectable amounts of sodium by means of flame photometry. A resulting linear relationship between the average value readings versus sodium standard content solution (both in ppm) was obtained by the logarithmic scale, as expected.
Conclusion: The procedure allowed to define a method that could be used in the sodification control process, thus making it possible to differentiate the sodium cation content in terms of the value of cation exchange capacity (CEC) from bentonite. X-ray analysis of in natura and the sodified clays showed nanostructural differences related to interlayer distance.
Keywords: Clay, bentonite, sodium procedure characterization, flame photometry, nanotechnology, cation exchange capacity.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Role of chemical engineering in unraveling the structure-function relationship of novel thermostable industrially relevant enzymes.
Chemical engineering plays a crucial role by contributing to the design, optimization, and implementation of processes related to the production and utilization of enzymes with improved biochemical characteristics enhancing their relevance in various industries, including agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. The ongoing and growing need for time is driven by the ...read more
Sustainable engineering trends
Sustainable engineering trends represent a pivotal shift in the field, driven by an urgent global need for eco-conscious practices. Embracing a holistic approach, sustainable engineering integrates innovative solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. Sustainable engineering also intersects with digital technologies, leveraging data analytics and smart systems ...read more
Related Books
Waste Valorization for Value-added Products
Diverse Strategies for Catalytic Reactions
Ultrasound Technology for Fuel Processing
Carbonaceous Quantum Dots: Synthesis And Applications
Applications of Ionic Liquids in the Oil Industry: Towards A Sustainable Industry
Advances in Combustion Synthesis and Technology
Applications of Modern Mass Spectrometry
Graphene-Based Nanomaterial Catalysis
Applications of NMR Spectroscopy
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: Biosensing and Diagnostic Technique for Healthcare Applications
30
2
1
1