Retention of gases by hexadecyltrimethylammonium-montmorillonite clays

Intercalated montmorillonite clays with different amounts of organic hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) cations were studied to analyse their CO, CH4, and SO2 gas retentions. Equilibrium adsorption was measured by using a standard volumetric apparatus at 25 degrees C and 0.1 MPa. The solids were characterised by X-ray diffraction. The levels of adsorption of SO2 by organo-montmorillonites (0.3595-1.6403 mmol/g) were higher than those of CO (up to 0.0202 mmol/g) and CH4 (up to 0.0273 mmol/g) gases. HDTMA montmorillonites may be effective adsorbents for removing SO2 and for its potential separation in the presence of CO and/or CH4 molecules, which can be present in contaminated air. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.