Preparation of pure hectorite using microwaves

Hectorite, (Si8.0)[Mg6.0−xLix](OH.F)4O20Mn+x/n⋅mH2O is a triocahedral smectite that can be used in multiple fields. Our objective in this work is to obtain pure hectorite by different ways (decantation, treatment with a solution of Na2CO3, change of the reactants ratio) and to study the influence of these procedures on the properties of purified samples. Samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, N2 physisorption, TEM techniques and determination of CEC. Pure hectorite samples were obtained by different procedures, resulting in hectorites with different features. The choice of one or other would depend on the application of hectorite.