Smectite organofunctionalized with thiol groups for adsorption of heavy metal ions

The structural characteristics as well as the binding capacity of the functionalized bentonite from Campina Grande (PB), Brazil, were investigated. The sample was modified by acid treatment followed by immobilization of ligands containing thiol (–SH) groups by covalent grafting with surface and interlayer silanol groups. The modification was carried out under anhydrous conditions with (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The functionalization process changed the hydrophilic nature of the clay mineral into hydrophobic. X-ray diffraction indicated that their original structure had been preserved. The DRIFT spectra demonstrated the presence of organic chains and thiol groups. The BET results indicated decreased porosity and specific surface area after grafting. Organic loading, calculated from TG data was 1.76 mmol g− 1 of bentonite. The thiol-functionalized bentonite presented binding capacity of Ag+ ions about ten times higher compared to the ungrafted sample. These results support a mechanism of adsorption involving primarily ion complexation by the thiol groups (specific) instead of cation exchange (unspecific). The accessibility to the reactive centers was 60–75%. Thus, the adsorption capacity of bentonite can be enhanced by surface modification using organo-functional silane coupling agents. This new hybrid organic–inorganic material may be a good alternative for separation and pre-concentration of heavy metal ions.