Synthesis of high-saturation magnetization composites by montmorillonite loading with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium ions and magnetite nucleation for improved effluent sludge handling and dye removal

Organomagnetic clays have been designed and synthesized from montmorillonite loaded with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium ions (HDTMA + ), to be used in water treatment systems to minimize the direct manipulation of effluent sludge dyes. The structural, magnetic, and hyperfine properties have been determined using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential measurement, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. The Methylene blue and Ponceau 4R (P4R) removal efficiency has been analyzed in batch conditions. The 58% HDTMA + -loaded composite exhibits a saturation magnetization three times higher than the composite without HDTMA + , while the surfactant incorporation improved P4R adsorption. The proper HDTMA + loading improves the saturation magnetization and the adsorption capacity of the composites, thus yielding added-value materials from two points of view, magnetic response and dye adsorption capacity.