Journal Article

Application of Ft-Ir And Scanning Electron Microscopy for Characterization of Modified Nanoclay Using Selected Amino Acids

Azeh Y., Olatunji G.A., Mohammad Y.S., Agwuncha C.S., Abubakar A., Damilare O.S. & Tanko U.M.

Abstract

This study was set to prepare nanoclay from locally obtained native clay commonly found in DogonRuwa, opposite Maizube farm, along Minna-Bida road, Sabondaga, Bosso Local government area of Niger State-Nigeria and to investigate its chemical modification using four different amino acids; Arginine, Alanine, L-Arginine and Tyrosine. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to study the structural and morphological changes after modification. FT-IR spectral data indicated that modification was successful with all the four of amino acids used as it revealed the shift in band positions of C=O and N?H vibrations, indicating significant molecular interactions between amino acids and nanoclay occurred as new absorption bands were detected. Scanning Electron Microscopy study also indicated the presence of new morphologies on modified nanoclay which were not present in native nanoclay at its initial state.

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