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.