FUNCTIONALIZED HALLOYSITE NANOTUBES FOR ENHANCED REMOVAL OF Hg2+ IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Abstract Water is essential for humans, animals, and plants; pollutants, usually derived from anthropogenic activities, can have a serious effect on its quality. Heavy metals are significant pollutants often highly toxic to living organisms, even at very low concentrations. Among the numerous removal techniques proposed, adsorption onto suitable adsorbent materials considered be one of most promising. The objective current study was determine effectiveness halloysite nanotubes (HNT) functionalized with organic amino or thiol groups as decontaminate polluted waters, using Hg 2+ ions, dangerous heavy metals, test case. effects pH, ionic strength ( I ), temperature metal ion solution ability affinity both were evaluated. To this end, experiments carried out no medium in NaNO 3 NaCl = 0.1 mol L −1 , pH range 3–5 283.15–313.15 K. Kinetic thermodynamic aspects by measuring concentrations aqueous solution. Various equations used fit experimental data, results obtained explained basis adsorbent’s characterization speciation under given conditions. Thiol enhanced capability ions 3–5. medium, all play an important role process. A physical mechanism exchange proposed materials.