Phosphorylation triggered growth of metal phosphate on halloysite and sepiolite nanoparticles: preparation, entrapment in chitosan hydrogels and application as recyclable scavengers

The rational design of porous, biomass-derived eco-friendly adsorbents instead of costly synthetic, petroleum-based resins stands as a promising approach to resolving the thorny issue of sewage treatment (for example, by supplying safe water for drinking and irrigation). Herein we explore a straightforward transformation of abundant clay and polysaccharides into highly-reactive water-cleaning adsorbents. Surface-functionalization of sepiolite and halloysite by phosphoryl chloride triggered metal dissolution from the framework (inside of the lumen for halloysite and on the external surface for sepiolite) and the concomitant growth of well-truncated crystalline metal phosphates. These unprece…