Montmorillonite incorporated with magnesium oxide - Preparation, characterization and adsorption of organic compounds

MgO was incorporated into montmorillonite (MMT) though the controlled formation of Mg(OH)(2) followed by calcination. The evidence for Mg2+ in MMT before calcination was concluded from TG curves where two different temperature ranges for Mg(OH)(2) dehydroxylation suggested that the location of Mg2+ at its internal and external surfaces. FTIR by diffuse reflectance technique of calcined sample showed a typical MgO band. XRD indicated a decrease in structural order and no collapse of clay structure. The organic compounds adsorption to MMT modified with MgO as suggested by increased degradation temperatures occurred at internal and external clay surfaces besides in an area formed probably by MgO and MMT layers.