Feasibility tests of –SO3H/–SO3−-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate [–SO3H/–SO3− MP] for environmental and bioenergy applications

Abstract

We have prepared a simple water-solubilized, transparent, and anionic clay. –SH-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate [–SH MP] was easily oxidized into –SO₃H/–SO₃⁻-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate [–SO₃H/–SO₃⁻ MP] by treatment of 5.0% H₂O₂ at 60 °C for 24 hours, showing a pH of ∼2.0. These water-solubilized and anionic nanoparticles (NPs) were tested with organo-building blocks of –SO₃H/–SO₃⁻ MP for removal of cationic pollutant dye (methylene blue) and heavy metals (Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺). Furthermore, interactions of ubiquitous humic acid (HA) with –SO₃H/–SO₃⁻ MP were removed due to an ion exchange mechanism. For bioenergy applications, glucose conversion from cellulose was tested, focusing on Brønsted acid-rich sites in –SO₃H/–SO₃⁻ MP.