Open Access Conference Proceedings

Montmorillonite is one of the most important groups of phyllosilicates and is an excellent sorbent. For the facilitation of the post-sorption sorbent separation from the medium (e.g.) waste water, it is convenient to use its magnetically modified form. Magnetically modified montmorillonite composites can be prepared using a simple microwave synthesis; the efficiency of this preparation method has already been proven. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the microwave radiation during the preparation of its magnetic form on the structure and stability of montmorillonite. Water extracts were prepared by the batch method using deionized water. The leachate was prepared for 24 hours in different ratios of solid and liquid phase (1:10 000, 1:1 000, 1:500 and 1:100) from the montmorillonite and the magnetically modified montmorillonite. Concentrations of Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na, Si and Fe were determined using atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, pH of the filtrate was also determined. The results of the experiments showed that Al and Ti do not leach under the observed conditions. The assumption that the ion exchange elements (K, Na, Ca, Mg) leach to the solution was confirmed. Their amount is dependent on the leaching time and on the solid/liquid phase ratio. Silicon, a part of the fundamental layer structure also leached, however, in an amount not affecting the montmorillonite structure. The process of the microwave-assisted magnetic modification of the montmorillonite was proved not to affect the stability of the material.

Keywords: montmorillonite, magnetic form, leaching, microwave treatment

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