Synthetic Clays as Catalysts

Fascinating Swellable Crystals

Abstract

To understand the relationship between the function, including catalysis, and the structure of clay is of central importance in all clay-bearing phenomena. Employing synthetic clays makes it possible to clarify the principal structural factors determining the catalytic efficiency of acidic clays. Based on three structural factors, or particle size, cation exchange capacity and position of isomorphous substitution, successful and novel attempts to develop the catalytic functions of synthetic clays willbe presented.