Chemical and Structural Properties of Urea and Thiourea Modified Jordanian Diatomaceous Clay and their Potential for Removal of Phenolics in Aqueous Medium

Salem M Musleh

Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Information Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt 19117 (Jordan)

The chemical and structural properties of Jordanian diatomaceous clay modified by urea and thiourea were studied using XRF, XRD and FTIR techniques; and their adsorption capacities were estimated by the methylene blue method. The urea and thiourea treatment has not affected the main mineral composition of the clay. The main interaction is that of hydrogen bonding through the NH2 moiety with the framework oxygen of diatomite. The possible use of the prepared materials for the removal, from aqueous solutions, of some phenolics viz., phenol, p-chlorophenol, o-chlorophenol and 3,5-dichlorphenol, has been investigated and shown that although thiourea caused a reduction in the surface area, yet it was the most effective reagent in this respect.

Jordanian diatomaceous clay; Adsorption, Urea; Thiourea; Phenols