The formation and production of nano and micro particles on clays under environmental-like conditions

Abstract

Metal ions are adsorbed in the interlayer space and on the edges of clay minerals, leading to the uniform distribution of metal ions on atomic scale. However, additional processes can be resulted in the formation of nano and micro particles in the interlayer space as well as on the outer surfaces. The formation of nano and micro particles on clay minerals under environmental conditions are discussed here in metal ions (manganese, lead, zinc, and silver ions)/bentonite systems. Two-dimensional nano layer is formed in the interlayer space by the oxidation of manganese ions under atmospheric conditions. Three-dimensional particles are formed on the surfaces initiating by the metal ion adsorption on the deprotonated edge sites. The formation of micro particles on the surface can also be followed by the redox reaction of metal ions.