Adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solution by hydroxy-aluminum, hydroxy-iron and hydroxy-iron–aluminum pillared bentonites

Phosphorus removal is important for the control of eutrophication, and adsorption is an efficient treatment process. In this study, three modified inorganic-bentonites: hydroxy-aluminum pillared bentonite (Al-Bent), hydroxy-iron pillared bentonite (Fe-Bent), and mixed hydroxy-iron–aluminum pillared bentonite (Fe–Al-Bent), were prepared and characterized, and their phosphate adsorption capabilities were evaluated in batch experiments. The results showed a significant increase of interlayer spacing, BET surface area and total pore volume which were all beneficial to phosphate adsorption. Phosphate adsorption capacity followed the order: Al-Bent > Fe-Bent > Fe–Al-Bent. The adsorption rate of phosphate on the adsorbents fits pseudo-second-order kinetic models (R2 = 1.00, 0.99, 1.00, respectively). The Freundlich and Langmuir models both described the adsorption isotherm data well. Thermodynamic studies illustrated that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Finally, phosphate adsorption on the inorganic pillared bentonites significantly raised the pH, indicating an anion/OH− exchange reaction.