Adsorption of Phenols by Alkylamine-Intercalated (alpha)-Zirconium Phosphate

Alkylamine-intercalated (alpha)-zirconium phosphate successfully adsorbed harmful phenols, such as phenol, chlorophenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol. The adsorption amounts of phenols are in the order; 2,4-dichlorophenol > chlorophenol > phenol. This sequence is related to the degree of hydrophobicity of these phenols. The adsorption amounts of phenols strongly depended on the content of alkylamine in the intercalation compound. In the case of butylamine, maximum adsorptions of phenols were observed when 4.4 mmol of butylamine was intercalated into (alpha)-ZrP; above this value, the adsorption amount decreased, and some butylamine was released.