Investigating the effects of calcination temperature on porous clay heterostructure characteristics

Abstract

This study focuses on finding the optimal calcination temperature for synthesizing porous clay heterostructures (PCH). PCH was prepared using montmorillonite at different temperatures (200–800 °C) in a closed N2 environment. Samples were characterized via N2-physisorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate the influence of calcination temperature. Characterizations show that the PCH composite exhibits an increasing surface profile observed by increasing specific surface area, changes in crystalline phases, porous surface, and varied particle size distribution. The position (degree and wavelength) and intensities of minerals and functional groups in PCH shift with temperature, as observed in both FTIR and XRD. This shows that variables such as heating rate, calcination temperature, and environment affect the structural changes in the clay material. In terms of active phase development, structural behavior, and material strength, the correct calcination temperature proved to be crucial.