Evaluation of gastropod shell as a green precursor in the Synthesis of anionic clay mineral

Abstract

In order to add value to an abundant waste biogenic resource, the ability of the shell of a Gastropod was appraised as a green precursor in the synthesis of an anionic clay (Ca-Allayered double hydroxide). Using the co-precipitation method, different ratios (1, 2 and 4) of gastropod shell (GS) to AlCl3 salt were reacted to obtain anionic clay samples (AC1, AC2, AC4,) of different M(II) and M(III) ratios. The XRD analysis of the samples showed that only the reactant combination ratios of 2 and 4 produced the Hydrocalumite minerals (i.e. AC2 and AC4). The surface architecture of the samples showed that the particles of the Hydrocalumite were of irregular shapes and the pore locations and sizes were asymmetrical. The prominence of Ca, Al, Cl and O in the samples were identified with the
EDAX. The FTIR spectra showed vibration characteristics that are similitude of layer double hydroxides (LDHs). The values of the surface charge of the samples, determined via the determination of the point zero charge, were also synonymous with that of the LDHs