Activation and Characterization of Unye (Ordu) Clay with Nitric Acid

Abstract

In this study, Clay belonging to the Ordu Unye region was activated by different concentrations of the acid solution by analytical methods. It is intended to remove adsorbed components between layers found in the structure of the clay. As a result, the activation process was performed with nitric acid (HNO3) to enable the expansion of the distance between layers. Determination of structural changes of Natural Clay and activated clays has been characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR and BET analyses. Characterization results showed that acid activation caused significant increases in surface area and pore volumes by changing both morphological and surface properties on clay. As a result of activation, the highest surface area of the clay was determined as 205,08 m2/g with 2N HNO3. Acid activation has been found to be more efficient in improving the surface properties of clay.