SYNTHESIS OF PALYGORSKITE PELLETS FOR APPLICATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION

Palygoskite pellets were synthesized with lignin and WAX® and subjected to technological characterization for application in the remediation of Pb ions contained in aqueous effluents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization of the palygorskite:lignin:WAX® material in a proportion of 70:15:15 revealed that the heat treatment of the pellets did not compromise the crystalline structure of the palygoskite. Texture analyses demonstrated that the surface area increased after synthesis and heat treatment, thus increasing the adsorption capacity. Regarding porosity, X-ray microtomography revealed that the pellets exhibit an irregular and porous spherical morphology with interconnected pores. Adsorption tests showed a removal of 73% of PbII contained in aqueous effluents after 15 min, with equilibrium reached in 60 min (88.36%). After the adsorption process, the presence of lead in the material was qualitatively confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images. The produced pellets exhibit promising adsorbent qualities, such as strength and effective PbII ion adsorption.