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Modified palygorskite is a clay mineral with highly promising potential for remediation of specific organic and inorganic pollutants. In this study we report on some of its special adsorption characteristics as a basis for the design of more effective remediation materials. The surface charge properties of organo-palygorskites prepared from dioctadecyl dimethylammonium bromide (DODMA) were studied by measuring the zeta potential values (ζ) at variable pH conditions. The effect of pH, ζ and temperature on the kinetics of p-nitrophenol adsorption on organo-palygorskite clay minerals was also investigated using a flow-through reactor system. There was a consistent decrease in ζ values with increasing pH resulting in a decrease in the amount of p-nitrophenol adsorbed. The amount adsorbed was high at high initial adsorbate concentration at 23 °C. However, at higher temperature the amount of adsorbed p-nitrophenol reduced significantly. The adsorption data was best fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic model and was controlled by a complex mechanism of physio-sorption and chemisorption. Desorption of adsorbed p-nitrophenol from the adsorbents was negligible, demonstrating that the adsorption was largely specific in nature. This study has significant implications for developing adsorptive remediation materials for ionisable organic pollutants in waste waters. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The phosphate mineral brazilianite NaAl 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (OH) 4 is a semi precious jewel. There are almost no minerals apart from brazilianite which are used in jewellery. Vibrational spectroscopy was used to characterise the molecular structure of brazilianite. Brazilianite is composed of chains of edge-sharing Al–O octahedra linked by P–O tetrahedra, with Na located in cavities of the framework. An intense sharp Raman band at 1019 cm −1 is attributed to the PO 4 3 - symmetric stretching mode. Raman bands at 973 and 988 cm −1 are assigned to the stretching vibrations of the HOPO 3 3 - units. The infrared spectra compliment the Raman spectra but show greater complexity. Multiple Raman bands are observed in the PO 4 3 - and HOPO 3 3 - bending region. This observation implies that both phosphate and hydrogen phosphate units are involved in the structure. Raman OH stretching vibrations are found at 3249, 3417 and 3472 cm −1 . These peaks show that the OH units are not equivalent in the brazilianite structure. Vibrational spectroscopy is useful for increasing the knowledge of the molecular structure of brazilianite.

The presence of arsenic in the environment is a hazard. The accumulation of arsenate by a range of cations in the formation of minerals provides a mechanism for the accumulation of arsenate. The formation of the tsumcorite minerals is an example of a series of minerals which accumulate arsenate. There are about twelve examples in this mineral group. Raman spectroscopy offers a method for the analysis of these minerals. The structure of selected tsumcorite minerals with arsenate and sulphate anions were analysed by Raman spectroscopy. Isomorphic substitution of sulphate for arsenate is observed for gartrellite and thometzekite. A comparison is made with the sulphate bearing mineral natrochalcite. The position of the hydroxyl and water stretching vibrations are related to the strength of the hydrogen bond formed between the OH unit and the AsO43− anion. Characteristic Raman spectra of the minerals enable the assignment of the bands to specific vibrational modes.

The mineral arsentsumebite Pb 2 Cu(AsO 4 )(SO 4 )(OH), a copper arsenate–sulphate hydroxide of the brackebuschite group has been characterised by Raman spectroscopy. The brackebuschite mineral group are a series of monoclinic arsenates, phosphates and vanadates of the general formula A 2 B(XO 4 )(OH,H 2 O), where A may be Ba, Ca, Pb, Sr, while B may be Al, Cu 2+ ,Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ , Mn 2+ , Mn 3+ , Zn and XO 4 may be AsO 4 , PO 4 , SO 4 ,VO 4 . Bands are assigned to the stretching and bending modes of SO 4 2− AsO 4 3− and HOAsO 3 units. Raman spectroscopy readily distinguishes between the two minerals arsentsumebite and tsumebite. Raman bands attributed to arsenate are not observed in the Raman spectrum of tsumebite. Phosphate bands found in the Raman spectrum of tsumebite are not found in the Raman spectrum of arsentsumebite. Raman spectroscopy readily distinguishes the two minerals tsumebite and arsentsumebite.

Some minerals are formed which show poorly defined X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of the oxyanions in such minerals. Among this group of minerals is mallestigite with formula Pb 3 Sb 5+ (SO 4 )(AsO 4 )(OH) 6 ·3H 2 O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral mallestigite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO 4 3− , SO 4 2− and water stretching vibrations. Mallestigite is a mineral formed in ancient waste dumps such as occurs at Mallestiger, Carinthia, Austria and as such is a mineral of archaeological significance.

The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral leogangite. The formation of the types of arsenosulphate minerals offers a mechanism for arsenate removal from soils and mine dumps. Raman and infrared spectroscopy have been used to characterise the mineral. Observed bands are assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of (SO 4 ) 2− and (AsO 4 ) 3− units, stretching and bending vibrations of hydrogen bonded (OH) − ions and Cu 2+ -(O,OH) units. The approximate range of O–H⋯O hydrogen bond lengths is inferred from the Raman spectra. Raman spectra of leogangite from different origins differ in that some spectra are more complex, where bands are sharp and the degenerate bands of (SO 4 ) 2− and (AsO 4 ) 3− are split and more intense. Lower wavenumbers of δ H 2 O bending vibration in the spectrum may indicate the presence of weaker hydrogen bonds compared with those in different leogangite samples. The formation of leogangite offers a mechanism for the removal of arsenic from the environment.

The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral hidalgoite PbAl3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 using vibrational spectroscopy. The mineral is found in old mine sites. Observed bands are assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of (SO4)2− and (AsO4)3− units, stretching and bending vibrations of hydrogen bonded (OH)− ions and Al3+–(O,OH) units. The approximate range of O–H⋯O hydrogen bond lengths is inferred from the Raman and infrared spectra. Values of 2.6989 A, 2.7682 A, 2.8659 A were obtained. The formation of hidalgoite may offer a mechanism for the removal of arsenic from the environment.

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of these types of mineral. Among this group of minerals is pitticite simply described as Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral pitticite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman microscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO 4 3 - , SO 4 2 - and water stretching vibrations. The Raman spectrum is dominated by a very intense sharp band at 983 cm−1 assigned to the SO 4 2 - symmetric stretching mode. A strong Raman band at 1041 cm−1 is observed and is assigned to the SO 4 2 - antisymmetric stretching mode. Low intensity Raman bands at 757 and 808 cm−1 may be assigned to the AsO 4 3 - antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes. Raman bands observed at 432 and 465 cm−1 are attributable to the doubly degenerate ν2 ( SO 4 ) 2 - bending mode.

The mineral brushite has been synthesised by mixing calcium ions and hydrogen phosphate anions to mimic the reactions in caves. The vibrational spectra of the synthesised brushite were compared with that of the natural cave mineral. Bands attributable to the PO43– and HPO42– anions are observed. Brushite, both synthetic and natural, is characterised by an intense sharp band at 985 cm−1 with a shoulder at 1000 cm−1. Characteristic bending modes are observed in the 300 to 600 cm−1 region. The spectra of the synthesised brushite matches very well the spectrum of brushite from the Moorba Cave, Western Australia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sarmientite is an environmental mineral; its formation in soils enables the entrapment and immobilisation of arsenic. The mineral sarmientite is often amorphous making the application of X-ray diffraction difficult. Vibrational spectroscopy has been applied to the study of sarmientite. Bands are attributed to the vibrational units of arsenate, sulphate, hydroxyl and water. Raman bands at 794, 814 and 831 cm−1 are assigned to the ν3 (AsO4)3− antisymmetric stretching modes and the ν1 symmetric stretching mode is observed at 891 cm−1. Raman bands at 1003 and 1106 cm−1 are attributed to SO 4 2 - vibrations. The Raman band at 484 cm−1 is assigned to the triply degenerate (AsO4)3− bending vibration. The high intensity Raman band observed at 355 cm−1 (both lower and upper) is considered to be due to the (AsO4)3− ν2 bending vibration. Bands attributed to water and OH stretching vibrations are observed.

The mineral woodhouseite CaAl3(PO4,SO4)2(OH)6 is a hydroxy phosphate-sulphate mineral belonging to the beudantite subgroup of alunites, and has been characterised by Raman spectroscopy, complimented with infrared spectroscopy. Bands at various wavenumbers were assigned to the different vibrational modes of woodhouseite, which were then associated to the molecular structure of the mineral. Bands were primarily assigned to phosphate and sulphate stretching and bending modes. Two symmetric stretching modes for both phosphate and sulphate supported the concept of non-equivalent phosphate and sulphate units in the mineral structure. Bands in the OH stretching region enabled hydrogen bond distances to be calculated.

The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral hinsdalite using vibrational spectroscopy. The mineral hinsdalite (Pb,Sr)Al3(PO4,SO4)2(OH)6 is a hydroxy phosphate–sulphate mineral belonging to the beudantite subgroup of alunites. The mineral is interesting because it contains two oxyanions, phosphate and sulphate, which is unusual. The formation of hinsdalite offers a mechanism for the removal of phosphate from the environment. The mineral has been characterised by Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The spectra are then related to the molecular structure of the mineral. Bands at various wavenumbers are assigned to the different vibrational modes of hinsdalite, which were then associated to the molecular structure of the mineral. Bands were primarily assigned to phosphate and sulphate stretching and bending modes. The Raman spectrum is characterised by an intense sharp band at 982 cm−1 with a component band at 997 cm−1 assigned to the ν1 (PO4)3− symmetric stretching modes. Two symmetric stretching modes for both phosphate and sulphate supported the concept of non-equivalent phosphate and sulphate units in the mineral structure. Bands in the OH stretching region enabled hydrogen bond distances to be calculated. Hinsdalite is characterised by disordered phosphate/sulphate tetrahedra and non-equivalent phosphate units are observed in the vibrational spectrum of hinsdalite.

The molecular structure of the mineral archerite ((K,NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 ) has been determined and compared with that of biphosphammite ((NH 4 ,K)H 2 PO 4 ). Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise these ‘cave’ minerals. Both minerals originated from the Murra-el-elevyn Cave, Eucla, Western Australia. The mineral is formed by the reaction of the chemicals in bat guano with calcite substrates. Raman and infrared bands are assigned to H 2 PO 4 - , OH and NH stretching vibrations. The Raman band at 981 cm −1 is assigned to the HOP stretching vibration. Bands in the 1200–1800 cm −1 region are associated with NH 4 + bending modes. The molecular structure of the two minerals appear to be very similar, and it is therefore concluded that the two minerals are identical.

Organopalygorskites were synthesised by using dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DMDOA) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CP) with surfactant loadings equivalent to 100% and 200% CEC of the palygorskite. The four organopalygorskites, thus produced, were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and zeta potential measurement. FTIR and TGA data demonstrated that higher surfactant loadings as well as long branched chain DMDOA produced highly ordered surfactant conformation. SEM morphological results showed that the organopalygorskites had less entangled fibres than the unmodified palygorskite. The zeta potential values showed positive charge formation on the organopalygorskites surface when they were synthesised with surfactant loadings equivalent to 200% CEC of the palygorskite. The organopalygorskites were tested for adsorption of p-nitrophenol (PNP) with a special focus on the adsorption isotherms. The adsorption data could be fitted with multiple isothermal models indicating that the adsorption was controlled by multiple mechanisms. Sorbent loading rate, initial pH, temperature and ionic strength might all affect the adsorption process. Also, DMDOA modified organopalygorskites reduced desorption/redispersal of adsorbed PNP back into the environment to a great extent. This study will be helpful in designing palygorskite-based organoclay adsorbents for remediating organic environmental contaminants which are ionic in nature. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The adsorption of paranitrophenol on organoclays synthesised by the ion exchange of the surfactant molecule dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDOAB) of formula (CH3(CH2)17)2NBr(CH3)2 has been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis. The expansion of the montmorillonite depends on the loading of the montmorillonite with dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide and is related to the arrangement of the surfactant molecules within the clay interlayer. This expansion is altered by the adsorbed paranitrophenol and is observed in the transmission electron microscopic images of the organoclay with adsorbed paranitrophenol. Changes in the surfactant molecular arrangements were analysed by thermogravimetry. The paranitrophenol is sublimed simultaneously with the loss of surfactant. The dehydroxylation temperature of the montmorillonite is decreased upon adsorption of the paranitrophenol indicating a bonding between the paranitrophenol and the hydroxyl units of the montmorillonite.

NIR spectroscopy has been used to measure the adsorption of p-nitrophenol on untreated montmorillonite and surfactant exchanged montmorillonite. p-Nitrophenol is characterised by an intense NIR band at 8890 cm(-1) which shifts to 8840 cm(-1) upon adsorption on organoclay. The band was not observed for p-nitrophenol adsorbed on untreated montmorillonite. Both the montmorillonite and the surfactant modified montmorillonite are characterised by NIR bands at 7061 and 6791 cm(-1). The organoclay is characterised by two prominent bands at 5871 and 5667 cm(-1) assigned to the fundamental overtones of the mid-IR bands at 2916 and 2850 cm(-1). A band at 6017 cm(-1) is attributed to the p-nitrophenol adsorbed on the organoclay. The band is not observed for the montmorillonite with adsorbed p-nitrophenol. It is concluded that p-nitrophenol is adsorbed to significantly greater amounts on the organoclay compared with the untreated montmorillonite. The implication is that organoclays are most useful for removing organic molecules from water through adsorption.

Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry have been applied to determine the adsorption of oil on selected adsorbates: sand, organo-clay and raw cotton. Thermal analysis provides evidence for the interaction and physical adsorption of the diesel oil on the adsorbates. Sand adsorbed diesel to around 33% by mass through weak physical interactions and appeared to fractionate the diesel components. The organo-clays more strongly adsorbed the diesel as evidenced by higher thermal decomposition temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) shows a strong interaction between the organo-clay and the diesel oil. Diesel is effectively adsorbed on organo-clay through adsorption and partitioning and is not removed from the organo-clay until significantly higher temperatures. Cotton displayed a very high adsorption/absorption capacity. A shift in the peak at 110°C (compared with pure diesel at 90°C) suggests an interaction between the diesel compounds and the cotton fibres as diesel is being retained at higher temperatures and more energy is required to evaporate the diesel. DSC was used to determine the strength of the diesel adsorption on the sand, organo-clay and cotton. The use of adsorbent materials to adsorb oil from oil spills is of great significance in modern society. One method of proving the effectiveness of an adsorbent material is through thermoanalytical techniques.

The need to find the most efficient material for the clean-up of oil/fuel spills both at sea and on land is of extreme importance. Generally, this requires material selection based upon the adsorption properties of selected sorbent materials such as sand, swelling clays, organo-clays and cotton fibres. These adsorption properties are a function of the surface characterisation where hydrophobic and oleophilic properties are essential. From BET analysis, the adsorption isotherm of the selected materials was Types II and IV in the IUPAC classification scheme. The main adsorption mechanism for these sorbents occurred on the external surface of the material in the pores or capillaries. ESEM studies indicate that cotton capillaries contribute significantly to the adsorption process of oil. In addition, the presence of surface wax on cotton–cellulose fibre facilitated the uptake by: (a) providing a relatively hydrophobic surface for sorption of organics; and (b) providing a low surface energy environment for the capillaries to aid in oil transport. Cotton fibre was observed to have several key properties such as hydrophobicity, good affinity for hydrocarbons, rapid adsorption on contact, and high adsorption and retention through interfibre capillaries. This research provides the basis for selection of cotton–cellulose fibres compared to common and other novel alternatives such as sand and organo-clays, respectively.

Surfactant modified montmorillonitic clays synthesized by ion exchange using the hydrothermal reaction method have been compared using XRD and thermal analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the changes in the surface properties of organoclays through expansion with surfactant loading. A polynomial relationship exists between the basal spacing and the CEC loading described by the equation y=0.3232x(2) + 0.2052x+1.2834 with R(2)=0.9955. Different arrangements of the surfactant molecules in the organoclays are inferred from the changes in basal spacings. para-Nitrophenol also causes the expansion of the montmorillonite clay and affects the arrangements of the surfactant molecules within the clay layers. Changes in the surfactant molecular arrangements were analyzed by thermogravimetry. Additional thermal decomposition steps were observed when para-nitrophenol is adsorbed on the organoclay.

Surfaces of a Wyoming SWy-2 sodium montmorillonite were modified using microwave radiation through intercalation with the cationic surfactants octadecyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide, and methyl-tri-octadecyl ammonium bromide by an ion exchange mechanism. Changes in the surfaces and structure were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Different configurations of surfactants within montmorillonite interlayer are proposed based on d(001) basal spacings. A range of surfactant molecular environments within the surface-modified montmorillonite are proposed based upon their thermal decomposition. IR spectroscopy using a smart endurance single bounce diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) cell has been used to study the changes in the spectra of CH asymmetric and symmetric stretching modes of the surfactants to provide more information of the surfactant molecular configurations.

Inorganic–organic clays (IOCs), clays intercalated with both organic cations such as cationic surfactants and inorganic cations such as metal hydroxy polycations have the properties of both organic and pillared clays, and thereby the ability to remove both inorganic and organic contaminants from water simultaneously. In this study, IOCs were synthesised using three different methods with different surfactant concentrations. Octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMA) and hydroxy aluminium ([Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]7+ or Al13) are used as the organic and inorganic modifiers (intercalation agents). According to the results, the interlayer distance, the surfactant loading amount and the Al/Si ratio of IOCs strictly depend on the intercalation method and the intercalation agent ratio. Interlayers of IOCs synthesised by intercalating ODTMA before Al13 and IOCs synthesised by simultaneous intercalation of ODTMA and Al13 were increased with increasing the ODTMA concentration used in the synthesis procedure and comparatively high loading amounts could be observed in them. In contrast, Al/Si decreased with increasing ODTMA concentration in these two types of IOCs. The results suggest that Al-pillars can be fixed within the interlayers by calcination and any increment in the amount of ODTMA used in the synthesis procedure did not affect the interlayer distance of the IOCs. Overall the study provides valuable insights into the structure and properties of the IOCs and their potential environmental applications.

Sidorenkite is a very rare low-temperature hydrothermal mineral, formed very late in the crystallization of hyperagpaitic pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif (Mt. Alluaiv, Kola Peninsula, Russia). Sidorenkite Na3Mn(PO4)(CO3) is a phosphate-carbonate of sodium and manganese. Such a formula with two oxyanions lends itself to vibrational spectroscopy. The sharp Raman band at 959 cm(-1) and 1012 cm(-1) are assigned to the PO4(3-) stretching modes, whilst the Raman bands at 1044 cm(-1) and 1074 cm(-1) are attributed to the CO3(2-) stretching modes. It is noted that no Raman bands at around 800 cm(-1) for sidorenkite were observed. The infrared spectrum of sidorenkite shows a quite intense band at 868 cm(-1) with other resolved component bands at 850 and 862 cm(-1). These bands are ascribed to the CO3(2-) out-of-plane bend (ν2) bending mode. The series of Raman bands at 622, 635, 645 and 704 cm(-1) are assigned to the ν4 phosphate bending modes. The observation of multiple bands supports the concept of a reduction in symmetry of the carbonate anion from D3h or even C2v.

Raman and infrared spectra of three well-defined turquoise samples, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O, from Lavender Pit, Bisbee, Cochise county, Arizona; Kouroudaiko mine, Faleme river, Senegal and Lynch Station, Virginia were studied, interpreted and compared. Observed Raman and infrared bands were assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of phosphate tetrahedra, water molecules and hydroxyl ions. Approximate O-H⋯O hydrogen bond lengths were inferred from the Raman and infrared spectra. No Raman and infrared bands attributable to the stretching and bending vibrations of (PO3OH)(2-) units were observed.

The detailed understanding of the interlayer structure of organoclays is of importance in the design of organoclay based materials and their industrial applications. In this study, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) have been used to provide new insights into the interlayer structure and morphology of HDTMA+/montmorillonite organoclays. XRD patterns show that thermal treatment has an important effect on the stability of organoclays, reflected by significant changes in the basal spacing. TEM and SEM micrographs demonstrate that the organoclays with lower surfactant packing density are mainly composed of irregular layer stacking with a number of curved organoclay layers, while those with higher surfactant packing density are mainly composed of regularly intercalated and flat layers. Variations of the interlayer distances exist in all organoclays and are more pronounced in the organoclays with lower surfactant packing density. This study demonstrates that not only the arrangement model of surfactant but also the morphology of organoclay strongly depend on the surfactant packing density within the montmorillonite interlayer space.

Niobium pentoxide reacts actively with concentrate NaOH solution under hydrothermal conditions at as low as 120 degrees C. The reaction ruptures the corner-sharing of NbO7 decahedra and NbO6 octahedra in the reactant Nb2O5, yielding various niobates, and the structure and composition of the niobates depend on the reaction temperature and time. The morphological evolution of the solid products in the reaction at 180 degrees C is monitored via SEM: the fine Nb2O5 powder aggregates first to irregular bars, and then niobate fibers with an aspect ratio of hundreds form. The fibers are microporous molecular sieve with a monoclinic lattice, Na2Nb2O6 center dot(2)/3H2O. The fibers are a metastable intermediate of this reaction, and they completely convert to the final product NaNbO3 Cubes in the prolonged reaction of 1 h. This study demonstrates that by carefully optimizing the reaction condition, we can selectively fabricate niobate structures of high purity, including the delicate microporous fibers, through a direct reaction between concentrated NaOH solution and Nb2O5. This synthesis route is simple and suitable for the large-scale production of the fibers. The reaction first yields poorly crystallized niobates consisting of edge-sharing NbO6 octahedra, and then the microporous fibers crystallize and grow by assembling NbO6 octahedra or clusters of NbO6 octahedra and NaO6 units. Thus, the selection of the fibril or cubic product is achieved by control of reaction kinetics. Finally, niobates with different structures exhibit remarkable differences in light absorption and photoluminescence properties. Therefore, this study is of importance for developing new functional materials by the wet-chemistry process.

We demonstrate control of the size and morphology of aluminum hydrate nanoparticles synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction through manipulating pH value of the reaction mixture, hydrothermal temperature and the surfactant used. Porous laths formed under acidic conditions, while the lath-width increased with temperature and single-crystal porous laths were formed. At neutral or high pH values, porous plates of several nanometers thick were obtained. The pore sizes on both laths and plates were ~2-3 nm. Stringy lath-shaped nanoparticles were obtained with polyethylene glycol surfactant. It demonstrates that we can precisely control nanoparticle size and morphology using soft chemical methods. Furthermore, these nanoparticles transformed to y-alumina nanocrystallites after heating to 673K, and retained the morphology of the parent boehmite. We provide a detailed characterization of the nanoparticulates and discuss the mechanism of their formation and subsequent transformation.

Surfaces of Wyoming SWy-2-Na-montmorillonite were modified using ultrasonic and hydrothermal methods through the intercalation and adsorption of the cationic surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMA). Changes in the surfaces and structure were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG), and electron microscopy. The ultrasonic preparation method results in a higher surfactant concentration within the montmorillonite interlayer when compared with that from the hydrothermal method. Three different molecular environments for surfactants within the surface-modified montmorillonite are proposed upon the basis of their different decomposition temperatures. Both XRD patterns and TEM images demonstrate that SWy-2-Na-montmorillonite contains superlayers. TEM images of organoclays prepared at high surfactant concentrations show alternate basal spacings between neighboring layers. SEM images show that modification with surfactant reduces the clay particle size and aggregation. Organoclays prepared at low surfactant concentration display curved flakes, whereas they become flat with increasing intercalated surfactant. Novel surfactant-modified montmorillonite results in the formation of new nanophases with the potential for the removal of organic impurities from aqueous media.

High resolution thermogravimetric analysis has been used to study the thermal decomposition of montmorillonite modified with octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. Thermal decomposition occurs in 4 steps.The first step of mass loss is observed from ambient to 100°C temperature range and is attributed to dehydration of adsorbed water. The second step of mass loss occurs between 87.9 to 135.5°C temperature range and is also attributed to dehydration of water hydrating metal cations such as Na+. The third mass loss occurs between 179.0 and 384.5°C; it is assigned to the loss of surfactant. The fourth step is ascribed to the loss of OH units due to dehydroxylation of the montmorillonite and takes place between 556.0 and 636.3°C temperature range. These TG steps are related to the arrangement of the surfactant molecules intercalating the montmorillonite. Changes in the basal spacing of the clay with surfactant are followed by X-ray diffraction. Thermal analysis provides an indication of the stability of the organo-clay.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy using a smart endurance single bounce diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) cell has been used to study the changes in the spectra of the surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium (ODTMA) bromide upon intercalation into a sodium montmorillonite. The wavenumbers of bands attributed to CH-stretching and CH-bending vibrations, in general, decrease as the concentration of the surfactant measured in terms of the cation exchange capacity (CEC) up to 1.0 CEC. After this point, the bands increase approaching a value the same as that of the surfactant. Significant changes occur in the HCH deformation modes of the methyl groups of the surfactant. These changes are attributed to the methyl groups locking into the siloxane (SiO) surface of the montmorillonite. Such a concept is supported by changes in the SiO-stretching bands of the montmorillonite siloxane surface.

A qualitative phase identification system for crystalline mixtures is presented. The system provides up to five-phase qualitative identification using up to nine-peak filtration, and additive full peak matching based on the powder diffraction file of ICDD. It was implemented using Microsoft Visual C++, and runs under most common Windows systems. Screenshots and examples are included.

X-ray diffraction has been used to study the changes in the surface properties of a montmorillonitic clay through the changes in the basal spacings of montmorillonite (SWy-2) and surfactant-intercalated organoclays. Variation in the d-spacing was found to be a step function of the surfactant concentration. High-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTG) shows that the thermal decomposition of SWy-2-MMTs modified with the surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide takes place in four steps. A mass-loss step is observed at room temperature and is attributed to dehydration of adsorption water. A second mass-loss step is observed over the temperature range 87.9 to 135.5 degrees C and is also attributed to dehydration of water hydrating metal cations such as Na+. The third mass loss occurs from 178.9 to 384.5 degrees C and is assigned to a loss of surfactant. The fourth mass-loss step is ascribed to the loss of OH units through dehydroxylation over the temperature range 556.0 to 636.4 degrees C. A model is proposed in which, up to 0.4 CEC, a surfactant monolayer is formed between the montmorillonitic clay layers; up to 0.8 CEC, a lateral-bilayer arrangement is formed; and above 1.5 CEC, a pseudotrimolecular layer is formed, with excess surfactant adsorbed on the clay surface.

A Raman spectroscopic study on the organo-montmorillonites prepared at different concentrations provided detailed observations about the ordering conformation of HDTMA+ ions confined within the montmorillonite interlayer. The ordering conformation shows a strong dependence on the concentration of the confined amine. Both the wavenumber and bandwidth of antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes are sensitive to the ordering conformation of the inserted organic cation. Furthermore, the wavenumber of the antisymmetric stretching mode is more sensitive than that of the symmetric stretching mode to the mobility of the tail of the amine chain. At room temperature, the conformational ordering is more easily affected by the packing density in the lateral model than in the paraffin-type model. However, at liquid nitrogen temperature, both the positions of antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes are independent of the amine concentration, and the bandwidth of symmetric stretching mode is sensitive to the organic ordering conformation. Upon heating the organo-montmorillonites, the positions of both the antisymmetric and symmetric stretching bands shift to higher wavenumbers, indicating a decrease of conformational ordering. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A better understanding of mineral transformations in sedimentary rocks and the controls on thermal maturity have become essential in the petroleum exploration industry in recent years. The Fushan Depression is an important hydrocarbon-bearing depression in South China Sea, which can be subdivided into three structural zones: the western, central and eastern zones. In this study, a series of mudstone samples selected from 13 drilling cores with depths ranging from 2100 to 3800 m were studied using infrared reflectance spectroscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) methods. And another 10 samples have been chosen for vitrinite reflectance measurement so as to investigate the ability of using infrared spectroscopy for thermal maturity evaluations. The infrared spectra results show that quartz and silicates (e.g. illite, kaolinite, smectite) are the dominant minerals in all samples. The semi-quantitative XRD analysis reveals a clear trend in illite content as the eastern zone (mean 80.81%)>the western zone (mean 73.52%)>the central zone (mean 55.04%) as well as a contrary trend in kaolinite content. This study documents that the peak height and position of Si-O antisymmetric stretching bands at ~1025 cm(-1) and ~1000 cm(-1) have a significant correlation with the degree of kaolinite illitization, suggesting that the utility of infrared spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the study of thermal maturity in sedimentary basins. The infrared spectra and XRD results together with vitrinite reflectance data indicate that the thermal maturity in the eastern zone is anomalously high, followed by the western zone, and that in the central zone is lowest. The igneous intrusion in the eastern zone has a significant impact on thermal maturation, resulting in high degree of kaolinite illitization. By contrast, the abundance in kaolinite in the central zone represents relatively low degree of kaolinite illitization, which should be attributed to shallow burial depth.

We have studied the mineral chenevixite from Manto Cuba Mine, San Pedro de Cachiyuyo District, Inca de Oro, Chañaral Province, Atacama Region, Chile, using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and vibrational spectroscopy. Qualitative chemical analysis shows a homogeneous composition, with predominance of As, Fe, Al, Cu, Fe and Cu. Minor amounts of Si were also observed. Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to assess the molecular structure of the arsenate minerals chenevixite. Characteristic Raman and infrared bands of the (AsO4)(3-) stretching and bending vibrations are identified and described. The observation of multiple bands in the (AsO4)(3-) bending region offers support for the loss of symmetry of the arsenate anion in the structure of chenevixite. Raman bands attributable to the OH stretching vibrations of water and hydroxyl units were analysed. Estimates of the hydrogen bond distances were made based upon the OH stretching wavenumbers.

We have studied the mineral takedaite Ca 3 (BO 3 ) 2 , a borate mineral of calcium using SEM with EDX and vibrational spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows a homogeneous phase, composed of Ca. Boron was not detected. A very intense Raman band at 1087 cm −1 is assigned to the BO stretching vibration of BO 3 units. Additional Raman bands may be due to isotopic splitting. In the infrared spectrum, bands at 1218 cm −1 and at 1163, 1262 and 1295 cm −1 are assigned to the trigonal borate stretching modes. Raman bands at 712 and 715 cm −1 are assigned to the in-plane bending modes of the BO 3 units. Vibrational spectroscopy enables aspects of the molecular structure of takedaite to be assessed.

The mineral sturmanite is a hydrated calcium iron aluminium manganese sulphate tetrahydroxoborate hydroxide of formula Ca6(Fe, Al, Mn)2(SO4)2(B(OH)4)(OH)12·26H2O. We have studied the mineral sturmanite using a number of techniques, including SEM with EPMA and vibrational spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows a homogeneous phase, composed by Ca, Fe, Mn, S, Al and Si. B is not determined in this EPMA technique. An intense Raman band at 990 cm−1 is assigned to the SO42− symmetric stretching mode. Raman spectroscopy identifies multiple sulphate symmetric stretching modes in line with the three sulphate crystallographically different sites. Raman spectroscopy also identifies a band at 1069 cm−1 which may be attributed to a carbonate symmetric stretching mode, indicating the presence of thaumasite. Infrared spectra display two bands at 1080 and 1107 cm−1 assigned to the SO42− antisymmetric stretching modes. The observation of multiple bands in this ν4 spectral region offers evidence for the reduction in symmetry of the sulphate anion from Td to C2v or even lower symmetry. The Raman band at 3622 cm−1 is assigned to the OH unit stretching vibration and the broad feature at around 3479 cm−1 to water stretching bands. Infrared spectroscopy shows a set of broad overlapping bands in the OH stretching region. Vibrational spectroscopy enables an assessment of the molecular structure of sturmanite to be made.

We have studied the vibrational spectra of the mineral bayldonite, a hydroxy arsenate of copper and lead of formula Cu3Pb(AsO3OH)2(OH)2 from the type locality, the Penberthy Croft Mine, St Hilary, Mount’s Bay District, Cornwall, England and relate the spectra to the mineral structure. Raman bands at 896 and 838 cm−1 are assigned to the ( AsO 4 ) 3 - ν1 symmetric stretching mode and the second to the ( AsO 4 ) 3 - ν3 antisymmetric stretching mode. It is noted that the position of the symmetric stretching mode is at a higher position than the antisymmetric stretching mode. It is proposed that the Raman bands at 889 and 845 cm−1 are symmetric and antisymmetric stretching modes of the (HOAsO3)2− units. Raman bands of bayldonite at 490 and 500 cm−1 are assigned to the ( AsO 4 ) 3 - ν4 bending modes. Raman bands for bayldonite are noted at 396, 408 and 429 cm−1 and are assigned to the ( AsO 4 ) 3 - ν2 bending modes. A comparison is made with spectra of the other basic copper arsenate minerals, namely cornubite, olivenite, cornwallite.

The mineral lulzacite from Saint-Aubin des Chateaux mine, France, with theoretical formula Sr(2)Fe(2+)(Fe(2+),Mg)(2)Al(4)(PO(4))(4)(OH)(10) has been studied using a combination of electron microscopy with EDX and vibrational spectroscopic techniques. Chemical analysis shows a Sr, Fe, Al phosphate with minor amounts of Ga, Ba and Mg. Raman spectroscopy identifies an intense band at 990cm(-1) with an additional band at 1011cm(-1). These bands are attributed to the PO4(3-)ν1 symmetric stretching mode. The ν3 antisymmetric stretching modes are observed by a large number of Raman bands. The Raman bands at 1034, 1051, 1058, 1069 and 1084 together with the Raman bands at 1098, 1116, 1133, 1155 and 1174cm(-1) are assigned to the ν3 antisymmetric stretching vibrations of PO4(3-) and the HOPO3(2-) units. The observation of these multiple Raman bands in the symmetric and antisymmetric stretching region gives credence to the concept that both phosphate and hydrogen phosphate units exist in the structure of lulzacite. The series of Raman bands at 567, 582, 601, 644, 661, 673 and 687cm(-1) are assigned to the PO4(3-)ν2 bending modes. The series of Raman bands at 437, 468, 478, 491, 503cm(-1) are attributed to the PO4(3-) and HOPO3(2-)ν4 bending modes. No Raman bands of lulzacite which could be attributed to the hydroxyl stretching unit were observed. Infrared bands at 3511 and 3359cm(-1) are ascribed to the OH stretching vibration of the OH units. Very broad bands at 3022 and 3299cm(-1) are attributed to the OH stretching vibrations of water. Vibrational spectroscopy offers insights into the molecular structure of the phosphate mineral lulzacite.

Raman spectra of two well-defined types of cobaltkoritnigite and koritnigite crystals were recorded and interpreted. Significant differences in the Raman spectra of cobaltkoritnigite and koritnigite were observed. Observed Raman bands were attributed to the (AsO3OH)(2-) stretching and bending vibrations, stretching and bending vibrations of water molecules and hydroxyl ions. Both Raman and infrared spectra of cobaltkoritnigite identify bands which are attributable to phosphate and hydrogen phosphate anions proving some substitution of phosphate for arsenate in the structure of cobaltkoritnigite. The O-H⋯O hydrogen bond lengths in the crystal structure of koritnigite were inferred from the Raman spectra and compared with those derived from the X-ray single crystal refinement. The presence of (AsO3OH)(2-) units in the crystal structure of cobaltkoritnigite and koritnigite was proved from the Raman spectra which supports the conclusions of the X-ray structure analysis.

The mineral coquimbite has been analysed using a range of techniques including SEM with EDX, thermal analytical techniques and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The mineral originated from the Javier Ortega mine, Lucanas Province, Peru. The chemical formula was determined as ( Fe 1.37 3 + , Al 0.63 ) ∑ 2.00 ( SO 4 ) 3 · 9 H 2 O . Thermal analysis showed a total mass loss of ∼73.4% on heating to 1000 °C. A mass loss of 30.43% at 641.4 °C is attributed to the loss of SO3. Observed Raman and infrared bands were assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of sulphate tetrahedra, aluminium oxide/hydroxide octahedra, water molecules and hydroxyl ions. The Raman spectrum shows well resolved bands at 2994, 3176, 3327, 3422 and 3580 cm−1 attributed to water stretching vibrations. Vibrational spectroscopy combined with thermal analysis provides insight into the structure of coquimbite.