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Geopolymers are a type of inorganic polymer that typically have a monochromatic appearance. This study investigates the formation of artificial chrysocolla by immersing these materials in Cu(II) ion solutions. The resulting synthetic chrysocolla possesses magnetic properties and characteristic silicate bands in its structure, indicating geopolymerization and a similarity to natural chrysocolla. Furthermore, the inclusion of copper and zinc ferrites in the nano-modified geopolymer matrix enhances its properties and potential antiviral properties. The antiviral test results show that synthetic chrysocolla based on nano-modified geopolymers has a mild antimicrobial effect. However, more testing is needed to determine its effectiveness against bacteriophage, as bacterial growth was observed in the area where the nano-modified geopolymer bacteriophage blend was applied. In addition to its potential antiviral properties, synthetic chrysocolla's porous structure allows it to act as an adsorbent, making it useful in the development of antiviral filters. Artificial chrysocolla can be obtained through a geopolymeric matrix by immersing it in a solution of Cu(II) ions, which can occur by ion exchange of the ions present in the aluminosilicate structure with Cu(II). Neutralization of the geopolymer matrix by washing with distilled water is required prior to immersion to ensure proper formation of chrysocolla and not copper(II) hydroxide on the geopolymer surface. Overall, this study provides evidence for the successful preparation of nano-modified synthetic chrysocolla from geopolymers and ferrites, with properties and chemical composition similar to those of natural chrysocolla. The presence of copper ions in its composition and the incorporation of copper and zinc ferrites can contribute to its use as a resource to combat viral pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organophilization of clays to increase interfacial interactions is a typical practice when the objective is its encapsulation with a polymer. This work intend to synthesize and characterize an organo-palygorskite-Fe 3 O 4 , to change the hydrophilicity of the material and investigate its efficiency in the removal of two anionic dyes from aqueous solution with the aim to use this material to treat wastewater contaminated with dyes. The organophilization of modified palygorskite–Fe 3 O 4 was done with a cationic surfactant (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) and the material obtained was characterized by XRF, SEM, XRD, FTIR, Nano Zetasizer, density, BET surface area, TGA/DTA and contact angle measurements. XRF and FTIR confirmed the presence of carbon in the modified palygorskite–Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles while XRD showed new crystalline phases from CTAB. Furthermore, a positive zeta potential value appeared and an inversion in the nanoparticles' hydrophobicity happened due to the increase of organic carbon content in the organo-palygorskite-Fe 3 O 4 . The adsorbed anionic dye on organo-palygorskite-Fe 3 O 4 may be completely recovered by the action of a magnet, showing an excellent adsorptive property and economical alternative adsorbents to treat dye wastewater. The negative values calculated for the free energies of adsorption indicate that the adsorption of methyl orange and indigo carmine on the active sites of organo-palygorskite-Fe 3 O 4 surface was spontaneous and that the indigo carmine had the best interaction with the magnetic organo clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]