Synthesis of “Imogolite” Fibers

In the upgrading process of the crude oil a variety of catalysts are used to separate heavy metals and pollutants. The major shortcoming of these catalysts is their quick deactivation. The aluminosilicate nanotube (imogolite) has extensive application in the upgrading process due to the large surface area and fiber structure. imogolite is a naturally occurring hydrated aluminosilicate polymer with a net composition (HO)3AL2O3SiOH. it forms hollow tubes with an external diameter of 2nm and lengths ranging from about 100 nm to several micrometers. one of the major synthesis methods of imogolite is the sol -gel reaction. in this study alumimium -sec-butoxite ASB and tetraethoxysilane TES were mixed with a particular ratio under the nitrogen atmosphere, using a glow box. after a three days reflux at 100 C, the sample is separated through the adjustment of PH in an ammonia solution. inorder characterize the sample , infra-red IR spectroscopy, X-ray and TEM transmission electron micrograph techniques were used . the results indicated that the synthetic samples has the structure for imogolite.

Keywords:

Imogolite , nano tube , fibers , sol - gel reaction