Abstract
This work describes the synthesis and characterization of pillared clays using a new pillaring method: the reuse of the pillaring solution. First, an Al pillared clay (PILC) was synthesized, and after filtration, the pillaring agent was stored and reused for an additional three pillaring procedures (P1, P2, and P3). The filtered pillaring solution was stored for one year and then reused for one additional pillaring procedure (P4). The samples were analyzed using XRD, N2 physisorption measurements and chemical analysis (EDX). All of the samples exhibited basal spacings larger than 17 Å and BET surface areas greater than 160 m2/g. After the P4 pillaring, the pillaring agent was precipitated with a Na2SO4 solution, and the resulting solid was analyzed using XRD and SEM. The results indicated that even after a total of five pillaring procedures, Al13 ions were still present in solution. Therefore, it is possible to reuse the pillaring solution four times and to even store the solution for one year, which is important from an industrial perspective.
Highlights
Pillaring is the process by which a layered compound is transformed into a thermally stable micro- and/or mesoporous material with retention of the layered structure
pillared clay (PILC) and sample refers to the first pillaring, and P1, P2, P3, and P4 refer to samples obtained
The starting clay had a basal samples, basal spacings of approximately 17.8 Å 2+were obtained. This basal spacing is in agreement spacing of 15.12 Å, which is an indication that Ca ions are present as interlayer cations [34]
Summary
Pillaring is the process by which a layered compound is transformed into a thermally stable micro- and/or mesoporous material with retention of the layered structure. The obtained material is a pillared compound or a pillared layered solid. Pillared clays (PILCs) constitute a special class of pillared layered solids. The goal of the pillaring process is to introduce micro- and mesoporosity into clay minerals. This is achieved using a combination of a smectite, for example, and a pillaring agent via an ion-exchange reaction, in which a two-dimensional channel network is formed [1]. The resulting materials have small cavities and a large surface area. These properties, along with their low cost, make pillared clays ideal for use as alternative catalysts to zeolites [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
