Thermal activation, characterization and performance …
The raw bentonite was dried at 105 °C for 4 h in an oven (TD-1315, UK) and the bentonite was then ground into powder using mortar and pestle. The sample was then washed with distilled water to get rid of water-soluble impurities by settling and decantation. Then, the sample was dried for 18 h at 105 °C in the oven.