Application of inverse gas chromatography to the study of the surface properties of modified layered minerals

Inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution has been used to study the effects of modifications of cationic (montmorillonite) and anionic (hydrotalcite) clays. By using alkanes and alkenes as probe molecules both the dispersive component of the surface energy and the surface acidic sites were characterized. The introduction of polymers into the structure of these minerals significantly changed their chemical character. Carbonization of samples whose interlayer spaces were saturated with polymers produced new carbon-modified materials. These composite materials became microporous while retaining their initial acid/base surface properties.