Dispersion of palygorskite in ethanol–water mixtures via high-pressure homogenization: Microstructure and colloidal properties

Preparation of a hybrids APT@MIL by one-step solvent-thermal method for effectively degrading organics

The attapulgite (APT), a typical nano-rod structured clay was introduced to MIL-101(Fe), a typical eco-friendly iron-based Metal-Organic Framework material (MOF), during the preparation by a one-step solvothermal method, which afforded a novel APT and MOF hybrid (APT@MIL). Based on the characterization of SEM, FT-IR and XRD, it was found that the rod-like crystals of APT determined the size of MIL-101(Fe) while maintaining its regular octahedral crystal form, and the crystal size of MIL-101(Fe) in APT@MIL enlarged 4 times. It was also discovered that the rod-like APT were evenly distributed in MIL-101(Fe) crystals. Using APT@MIL as the photocatalyst, some organic dyes were photodegraded in simulated sunlight. The analysis indicated that APT@MIL has high adsorption and photodegradation activity, the removal rate of methylene blue was up to 99.5%. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of APT@MIL was verified by UV-Vis DRS, photoluminescence spectra. The thermodynamic adsorption, kinetic characteristics adsorption, and removal mechanism of APT@MIL are also discussed. In summary, a novel hybrid material APT@MIL was successfully prepared with good adsorption and photocatalytic performance. It is expected to be used in photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater.

From nanorods of palygorskite to nanosheets of smectite via a one-step hydrothermal process

The structural evolution of silicate opens a new avenue to cognize its microstructure, intensify its properties and extend its application.