Properties of clay determined by amorphous nanoparticles

Abstract

Amorphous nanoparticles in clays have rarely been the subject of research and were thought to have no effect on clay properties. However, it is now clear that all clays contain large amounts of amorphous nanoparticles, which have a significant influence on important clay properties. Amorphous nanoparticles have a large specific surface area and thus adsorb larger amounts of molecules and ions. Synthetic amorphous nanoparticles are being considered for various applications by adsorbing large amounts of water and carbon dioxide. Amorphous nanoparticles also adsorb phosphate, sulfate, organic matter, phosphorus, and arsenate. In addition, REE and Cs are also presumed to be adsorbed on amorphous nanoparticles.