Combined effect of ultrasound and nanoclay on adsorption of phenol

Sorption of phenol onto organophilic bentonite (nanoclay) by ultrasonic irradiation was investigated. Tetrabutyl ammonium chloride (TBAC), N-acetyl-N,N,N trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (HDTMA) were used as intercalating agents. Nanoclay was synthesized using sonication technique. TBAC modified nanoclay shows amorphous exfoliated nature, while CTAB and HDTMA modified nanoclay shows intercalating crystalline nature, which was revealed by XRD gram. Further FTIR reveals the presence of NH2 and (CH2)n groups onto clay platelet. Due to sonication, adsorption equilibrium was achieved within short period of time (10 min). It was found that intraparticle diffusion resistance has overcome due to sonication. The experimental data obtained obeys both Freundlich isotherm model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. HDTMA modified nanoclay shows higher parameter values.