Preparation and Characterization of Al-pillared Montmorillonites

Abstract

Al-pillared montmorillonites (Al-MMT) were synthesized from natural occurring sodium montmorillonite through the exchange of inter-lamellar ions with hydroxyalumina polycations. Furthermore, the morphology, composite structure and pore properties of such composite materials were investigated by Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformation Infra-red Spectra (FTIR) and Nitrogen Adsorption-Desorption Isotherms The products retain their layered structure and their pore structures are a slit-shaped pore between plate-like particles. The resultant products possess BJH pore volume as large as 0.18cm3g-1, high BET specific surface area of over 100m ² g ^-1 , narrow pore size distribution in the mesopore region 7-7.5nm after thermal treatment at 500degC.