This study focuses on the physicochemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization of three natural clays from C？te d’Ivoire (KR, KB, and BB) to evaluate their potential for environmental applications. The samples were analyzed by particle size analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), and thermal analysis. The results show a predominance of kaolinite in KR and BB, while KB exhibits a more diverse mineralogy including illite and smectite. Iodine values (593.55 mg/g for KR, 511.50 mg/g for KB, and 505.03 mg/g for BB) and methylene blue values close to 320 - 330 mg/g indicate differences in the textural properties and accessible surface area of the materials. These results highlight the superior adsorption potential of KR, linked to its high kaolinite and iron oxide content, while KB exhibits promising potential due to its smectite fraction. This study thus provides an essential database for selecting local clay materials that could be further investigated in water treatment applications.
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