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Physicochemical, Sem Analysis and Mineralogical Composition of De-Oiled Cake Modified Clay (DOCMC)

., Ugwuanyi-Nnadi, O., Agu, Valentine O., Agbo, Anthony. O., Onwu, Edward.O.

Abstract

This study investigates the physicochemical, morphological and mineralogical characteristics of de-oiled cake modified clay using standard methods, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Natural clay was modified with de-oiled cake material, a by-product of solvent extraction of palm kernel oil cake rich in lignocellulosic materials, in other to enhance its structural, textural and surface properties. Physicochemical characterization revealed increase in siliceous character and surface stability of the modified clay, indicating increased porosity, surface area, sorption sites and structural stability, making DOCMC a better adsorbent than raw clay. SEM analysis also revealed a significant transformation of the raw clay from compact, dense, agglomerated and smooth flake-like surface structure to a rough, heterogenous and highly porous structure of the modified clay, thereby facilitating improved metal ions diffusion, increased surface chemistry, enhanced ion exchange capacity and greater adsorption efficiency and sorption capacity. The XRD analysis showed partial reduction in crystallinity and slight shifts in diffraction peaks, suggesting successful intercalation and surface interaction between the clay mineral and the organic constituents. The integration of SEM and XRD results confirms the formation of a hybrid organic-inorganic composite with largely improved physicochemical properties. Findings from this study demonstrates the great potential of DOC-modified clay as a low cost, eco-friendly and sustainable sorbent material for environmental applications such as adsorption and wastewater treatment technologies.

Keywords

Morphological MineralogicalDe-oiled cakePhysicochemical Characterization

References

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