Clay–gemini surfactant hybrid materials for elimination of inorganic pollutants: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Though organoclays modified with gemini surfactants are one of the ubiquitous adsorbents due to their enlarged interlayer spacing, modified surface characteristic and hydrophobic property, its usage for elimination of inorganic pollutants is still at a budding stage in comparison to their applicability for removal of various organic pollutants. This article addresses the intercalation of both conventional and gemini surfactants into clay minerals to transform them to hybrid materials, their characterization, adsorption performance and factors influencing the adsorption capacity of the hybrid materials. The kinetic model, adsorption isotherms, mechanism of adsorption, thermodynamic parameters and reusability of the material have also been discussed. Furthermore, the applicability of clay–gemini hybrid materials has been demonstrated to serve as an economic benign, natural adsorbent towards inorganic pollutants in aquatic environment.