Specific uptake of aromatic compounds from aqueous solution by montmorillonite modified with tetraphenylphosphonium

Montmorillonite (MT) modified with tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP·MT) had specific uptake behavior for aromatics in aqueous solution. This is attributed to the extent of π–π stacking interactions between the benzene rings of intercalated TPP+ and the benzene rings of aromatics with different electronic states. The uptake order of aromatics by TPP·MT was in contrast to that by layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with 2,7-naphthalene disulfonate. The selective uptake of target aromatic compounds from aqueous solution can be achieved by combining appropriate inorganic layered compounds and modified aromatic ions.

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► Aromatic-modified montmorillonite had specific uptake behavior for aromatics.
► This is due to the extent of π–π stacking interactions between the benzene rings.
► The selectivity is obtained by combining adequate layered compound and modified ion.