Synthesis and characterization of gallium containing kanemite

Gallokanemites, with Si/Ga values between 31.5 and 19.4, have been synthesized and parameters such as gallium source, gel composition and crystallization time have been explored. The results, such as the expansion of the unit cell or the absence of the octahedral aluminum, demonstrate that almost all the gallium has been incorporated into the kanemite framework, even for the gel composition with the lowest Si/Ga ratio, rendering crystalline kanemite-type particles. Therefore, it is an effective method for synthesizing a kanemite with active centres to be used as an acidic catalyst and as a possible precursor of microporous and mesoporous materials with high gallium content. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.