Characterization and manipulation of montmorillonite properties towards technological and environmental applications

ABSTRACT The combination of pillarization and charge neutralization with Li+ can make montmorillonite an important support material for industry and decontamination of pollutants in soil and water. Montmorillonite characterization techniques were described in detail, and pillarization procedures were used, after Li+ saturation, to modify and manipulate the chemical and mineralogical surface properties of this montmorillonite. Eight samples were produced: 1) natural montmorillonite (Chisholm Mine – MMT); 2) Li+ saturated montmorillonite (MMTLi); 3) polyethylene glycol (PEG) Al-pillared montmorillonite (AlPEG); 4) PEG [...]