Preparation, characterization and catalytic activity of non- hydrothermally synthesized saponite-like materials

Saponite-like materials were non-hydrothermally synthesized from a Si/Al gel and a soln. contg. the nitrate of a divalent octahedral cation (Zn, Mg, Ni and Co) and urea. The products were characterized by a variety of methods. The compn. of the octahedral layer influences the structure and textural properties of these materials. Saponites having Al3+ predominantly in tetrahedral coordination can be obtained for Si/Al >= 12. The acidic form of these saponites prepd. via acid treatment with dild. HCl show high activity in alc. decompn., cumene dealkylation and n-heptane isomerization reactions. The Ni and Co-contg. solids possess both acid and redox active sites. [on SciFinder (R)