Work

Novel Preparation and Characterization of an Organic-Vermiculite Intercalated by Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A novel and rapid ball-milling approach was developed in this study to efficiently intercalate hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br) into vermiculite (VMT) within only 15 min. The raw granular VMT (2–3 mm) was first ground into fine powder using an airflow pulverizer. A suspension containing VMT and HDTMA-Br (1 CEC) in deionized water was then subjected to planetary ball milling at 450 r/min (25 °C), followed by washing and drying to obtain organo-vermiculite (OVMT) with a particle size of 44–5 µm. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis analyses confirmed successful intercalation, with the basal spacing d(001) expanding from 1.46 nm to 4.51 nm. Transmission Electron Microscopy observations further revealed partial delamination of lamellar structures and a pronounced reduction in particle size, supporting the structural reorganization induced by the mechanochemical process. In addition, nitrogen adsorption analysis showed that the BET surface area decreased by 4.05 m2·g−1, while the average pore diameter increased by 3.2 nm, indicating the development of a more hydrophobic interlayer environment. Overall, this approach offers a practical route for producing organophilic silicate materials and shows strong potential for wastewater treatment applications, particularly for the adsorption of organic pollutants and heavy-metal ions.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13123979

Authors: Liang Zhang, Ben Wang, Xiaomei Shao, Wei Han

Institution: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Clay minerals and soil interactions

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896