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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method
Published on: August 1, 2018
New synthesis strategies for effective functionalization of kaolinite and saponite with silylating agents
Lilian R Avila1, Emerson H de Faria, Katia J Ciuffi
1Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira, Parque Universitário, 201, 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil. liliunifran@yahoo.com.br
Abstract:
Functionalization of Brazilian São Simão kaolinite and Spanish Yunclillos saponite with the alkoxysilanes 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane is reported. The resulting hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the interlamellar grafting process. The X-ray diffractograms revealed incorporation of the alkoxide molecules into the interlayer space of the clays. The displacement of the stretching bands of interlayer hydroxyls in the infrared spectra of the modified kaolinites and the increased intensity of the Mg-OH vibrations in the spectra of the modified saponites confirmed the functionalization of the clays. The thermal behavior of the organoclays confirmed the stability of the hybrids, which was dependent on the clay used for preparation of the materials.
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