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Synthetic imogolite: properties, synthesis and possible applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2018

V. C. Farmer
Affiliation:
The Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB9 2QJ, UK
M. J. Adams
Affiliation:
The Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB9 2QJ, UK
A. R. Fraser
Affiliation:
The Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB9 2QJ, UK
F. Palmieri
Affiliation:
Istituto di Chimica Agraria, Universita Delgi Studi di Napoli, Portici, Italy

Abstract

The unique properties of imogolite are closely related to its structure, which is a tube of 23–27 Å outer diameter and ∼10 Å inner diameter, with an AIOH outer surface and SiOH inner surface. Acid dispersions contain the long, positively-charged tubes as isolated units or small bundles, which form bulky gels in alkali, and flocculate with negatively-charged colloids, polyvalent anions, and long-chain anionic detergents. Sorption properties are associated with the 10 Å intra-tube pores and with inter-tube channels of variable dimensions. Surface acidity is less than that of layer-silicate clays. The chemical and mechanical stability, biological activity, film- and fibre-forming characteristics, and conditions of synthesis are reviewed, on the basis of both new and published findings. Areas of potential application are indicated.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 1983

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