Characterization of certain Nigerian clay minerals for water purification and other industrial applications
Gina Odochi Ihekweme,
Josiah Ngenev Shondo,
Kingsley Ikechukwu Orisekeh,
Godwin Mong Kalu-Uka,
Iheoma Chigoziri Nwuzor,
Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
Affiliations
Gina Odochi Ihekweme
Department of Material Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa Roundabout, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria; Department of Engineering Infrastructure, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria; Corresponding author.
Josiah Ngenev Shondo
Institute for Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kaiserstr, Kiel, 224143, Germany
Kingsley Ikechukwu Orisekeh
Department of Material Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa Roundabout, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
Godwin Mong Kalu-Uka
Department of Material Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa Roundabout, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria; Department of Mechanical/Mechatronic Engineering, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Iheoma Chigoziri Nwuzor
Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, P.M.B 5925, Nigeria
Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
Department of Material Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa Roundabout, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
Seven Nigerian clays and clay minerals were characterized by multiple means with respect to their potential application in water purification and other industrial areas. The morphology was determined by means of SEM while chemical/mineral compositions were quantified using EDX, XPS and XRD. FT-IR and UV methods were employed to investigate the functional groups, inter alia the physical and chemical behaviours of adsorbed species. The stability in aqueous solution was determined by zeta potential measurements. The combined results revealed that the clays are mostly kaolin and illite, while clay minerals are predominantly gibbsite and quartz, although other clay-associated minerals and elements were also observed. Two out of the characterized samples will find suitable application in filter media production for water purification due to the possession of exchangeable cations and electrophoresis properties, while the others possess potential industrial applications for refractory linings, ceramics, medical, beauty and cosmetics products. This outcome implies a utilization increase in local content and a value addition to minerals in Nigeria. The results of the study are being used to design and facilitate expanded clay aggregate production to be used for the development of low-cost water filters to address the challenge of poor access to potable water in Africa and other developing continents.
