Imogolite prepared from cement kiln dust removes arsenite from water

Imogolite belongs to the family of nanotubular metal oxides which are useful for the construction of new materials in nanotechnology. This study aims to develop a simple waste valorization method to obtain imogolite from cement kiln dust (CKD) via solubilization of CKD and subsequent precipitation of imogolite (Imo-CKD) in a hydrothermal process. The newly synthesized Imo-CKD and a conventional imogolite (Imo) showed similar diameter (Ø) and length (L) of nanotubes [Ø≅ 1.9 nm and L ≅ 200 nm] and crystallinity grade but different values of isoelectric point (IEP) [IEP_Imo−CKD=8.86 and IEP_Imo=9.92]. The shift in the IEP value of Imo-CKD to a lower value was attributed to the presence of allophane as a subproduct during Imo-CKD synthesis. Arsenite [As(III)] removal from water by both the imogolites was a rapid (t ≤ 20 min) and spontaneous process. The kinetic As(III) removal data obeyed the pseudo-second order model, while surface diffusion also controlled the As(III) adsorption process. The activation energy (Ea > 40 kJ mol⁻¹) suggested a chemical adsorption of As(III) in both materials. The Imo-CKD (0.377 mmol g⁻¹) removed As(III) from water more efficiently than Imo (0.334 mmol g⁻¹), despite the formation of allophane byproduct in the synthesis process. Results of this study can promote the reuse of inexpensive CKD as a viable alternative to replace costly tetraethyl orthosilicate for imogolite synthesis and use of imogolite for water pollutant removal.