Uso de una arcilla orgánicaa como material de empaque de un filtro para depurar aire contaminado con tolueno

The adsorption capacity of organoclays for organic compounds (VOCs) is due to the hydrophobic properties generated when the natural clay is modifed with organic molecules. In the present work, an organoclay (OC-CPC) was prepared using a Mexican natural clay by intercalating a cetyl pyridine chloride (CPC). It was characterized by infrared, thermogravimetric, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The OC-CPC was used to adsorb toluene and then treated at 120, 150, and 200°C during 4, 8, and 12h in order to regenerate its adsorption capacity. The minimum requirements for recovery obtained were 120°C during 4h, with a 90% recovery of its adsorption capacity. The OC-CPC was used as packing material of a flter to purify contaminated environments with toluene. The results showed that organoclay can reduce toluene content at concentrations below the permissible limit (MPL) of 50mg·l^-1).