ABSTRACT This study investigates the regeneration performance of iron‐ and aluminum‐pillared montmorillonite (Fe‐Mt and Al‐Mt) adsorbents synthesized from purified Algerian bentonite. Pillaring was achieved using preformed iron and aluminum hydroxyl polycations to enhance the clay's structural and adsorption properties. Comprehensive characterization was conducted via x‐ray, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface charge analysis, and textural measurements. Adsorption behavior toward orange methyl (OM) was assessed under varying conditions of pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent dose. Regeneration of OM‐saturated clays was evaluated using NaOH and HNO3 solutions at different concentrations. Optimal regeneration was achieved with 0.001 M NaOH for 30 min, yielding high desorption efficiency. Despite slight decreases in adsorption capacity over successive cycles, the pillared clays retained considerable reusability. Statistical physics models provided mechanistic insight into the adsorption process and confirmed enhanced dye uptake associated with structural modifications. These findings support the application of these pillared clays as cost‐effective, regenerable adsorbents for organic contaminant removal from aqueous systems, contributing to sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.
Sellam‐Rendja et al. (2026) studied this question.