A Novel Layered Silicate with a Helical Morphology

Helices composed of stacked layers are present in the novel silicate obtained from a silica sol and NaOH by hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of tetramethylammonium (TMA) hydroxide and 1,4-dioxane. The helical morphology is evident in scanning electron micrographs (see picture). The TMA and sodium ions of the silicate are readily replaced by protons, and on heating to 200°C a reversible phase transition occurs in which water molecules are lost from between the layers.