Natural Pumice by XPS

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for characterizing pumice: it is a natural aluminosilicate with a high percentage of silica (~70%), a low surface area (~5 m2 g−1 as determined by the BET method) and a density of 2.3 g cm−3. It has a fine, porous physical structure which makes the material easy to machine and also determines its abrasive property. In contrast to the zeolites, pumice has an amorphous structure. Apart from its main use in the construction industry, pumice has begun to be of scientific interest when used as a support for metallic catalysts. Core and valence spectra were compared with standard Al2O3 and SiO2. The aim of this study is to examine the surface of this material.