Montmorillonite: Properties, Characteristics, and Its Harnessing in Environmental Applications

Abstract

Montmorillonite (MMT) is a 2:1 dioctahedral clay mineral. Due to all the environmental uses, it is an adaptable clay mineral that garnered much attention. In this chapter, we will highlight the distinctive properties and special qualities of MMT and its crucial function in environmental contexts. In this chapter, we will also explore its remarkable adsorption powers to remove contaminants from water and its contribution to erosion reduction and soil stabilization. This chapter reveals through an in-depth examination how MMT promotes eco-friendly practices and offers effective solutions for reducing pollution and preserving ecological balance. Then, we merged the wide range of characteristics of MMT with the vast array of properties of starch biopolymer to prepare a nanocomposite with a high adsorption capacity. Thus, we found a large adsorption capacity of 341.9 mg/g with a removal rate of 97.7%. Furthermore, we will explore its efficacy in removing ibuprofen drug by modifying it with CTAB/ZnO nps. Additionally, its potential application in the electrochemical detection of NiO2− will be investigated through the incorporation of TiO2 and ZnO nps on MMT.