Synthesis and Characterization of Ln/Al Pillared Clays

La3+-Al3+ and Ce3+-Al3+ pillar precursors were synthesized and intercalated in swelling montmorillonite type clays. 27Al-NMR and 139La-NMR spectra do not confirm chemical interaction between Al and La ions in solution, but after pillaring and calcination (400°C) d-spacings in the range 18.5 A-20.5 A indicate indeed a strong interaction between the Al-La-species. Also, Ce4+ (Sulfate) cations do interact with Al3+ in the pillar-precursor-solution, into the pH interval 2.78≤p.H ≤3.99.