Iron and mixed iron aluminium pillared montrnorillonites prepared by partial hydrolysis method were subjected to room temperature
exchange with transition metals of the first series. The resulting materials were characterised by different spectroscopic techniques
and surface area measurements. About 1-3% transition metals were incorporated into the porous network. The structural
stability of the porous network was not affected by exchange. XRD and AI NMR spectroscopy evidenced the presence of iron
substituted Al13 like polymers in FeAl pillared systems. Acidity and basicity benefited much as a result of metal exchange. Acidity
and basicity were quantified by model reactions, viz., cumene cracking and cyclohexanol decomposition respectively. The presence
of basic sites in otherwise acidic pillared clays, though diminutive in amount can be of much importance in acid base catalysed
reactions.
Manju, Kurian; Sugunan, S(Elsevier, January , 2006)
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Abstract:
Wet peroxide oxidation (WPO) of phenol is an effective means for the production of diphenols, which are of great industrial importance. An added advantage of this method is the removal of phenol from wastewater effluents. Hydroxylation of phenol occurs efficiently over mixed iron aluminium pillared montmorillonites. An initial induction period is noticed in all cases. A thorough study on the reaction variables suggests free radical mechanism for the reaction.