Unlocking the energy potential of Moroccan bentonite clay: structural, optical, and thermal insights for advanced applications

Abstract

This study focuses on exploring Moroccan bentonite clay for its potential applications in the energy sector, particularly by examining its behavior and properties under various conditions. The main objective is to assess its viability as a material for energy systems, particularly for energy storage, insulation, and advanced energy harvesting technologies. Bentonite clay solutions at various concentrations were prepared. Monitoring chemical stability over time is essential to understand the clay's behavior under various environmental conditions. Parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity were continuously measured to ensure the stability of the solutions and assess any changes that could affect the clay's performance. Several key factors were optimized during this process, such as clay concentration, annealing temperature, and stirring time. Optical microscopy was used to visualize and refine these factors to produce high-quality films with the desired characteristics. Structural characterizations, including SEM, XRD, and ATR-FTIR, confirmed the presence of a montmorillonite structure, a key mineral component of bentonite, and revealed a homogeneous surface. Thermal analyses, performed by thermogravimetry (TGA), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA), were used to study the material's response to temperature variations. The results showed significant endothermic effects, indicating dehydration of the water absorbed in the montmorillonite, followed by structural transformation at higher temperatures. Electrical conductivity showed that the clay films exhibited excellent insulating properties, suggesting potential applications in fields requiring electrical insulation. In terms of optical properties, the films demonstrated good transparency, which could be useful for applications requiring light transmission. Optical properties, including film thickness, optical band gap, and Urbach energy, were also determined, highlighting the promising potential of bentonite clay in the energy sector. The results indicate that bentonite clay could be used as a new, sustainable material for energy applications. This research not only paves the way for more practical uses of this natural resource, but also highlights the importance of understanding its behavior under different environmental conditions in order to tailor it to specific energy applications.