Layered basic zirconium oxide sulfate prepared in molten salt — An ion exchanger and intercalation host

International audienceReaction of hydrated ZrOCl2 in NaNO3–Na2SO4 melt at 673 K produces non-stoichiometric lamellar Na–Zr oxide sulfate. In this waterinsoluble solid, Na+ cations can be exchanged with K+, or protons. Reflux with n-pentylamine leads to the reversible intercalation of the amine molecules between the layers with an increase of the interlayer distance. Protonic form of the solid showed high activity in the isooctane hydrocracking reaction