Loading Laboratory-synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles onto Bentonite and Characterizing the System (Advanced Oxidation – Adsorption)

Abstract

This study investigates the loading of laboratory-synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) onto bentonite, revealing the formation of a hybrid system that combines advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with adsorption. The system was characterized using (SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, TGA, PZC, and BET) techniques, which confirmed successful (TiO₂) loading at      (48 wt%) as anatase/rutile phases. FTIR spectra showed peaks in the (400 – 900 cm^-1) range attributable to (Ti–O–Si) bond formation, indicating structural modification. SEM images displayed shiny white particles representing (TiO₂) aggregates on the bentonite surface, with darker regions corresponding to the silicate bentonite matrix. Characterization further revealed a porous structure with a specific surface area (SSA) of (23.74 m²/gr), pore radius of (15 nm) (mesoporous material), and type (H3) hysteresis in the isotherm model. The system exhibited a neutral surface charge at (pHpzc = 7.41) and thermal stability up to (950 °C), with a total weight loss of (6.47%) primarily due to dihydroxylation, underscoring its potential for environmental applications.