Synthesis and structural characterization of CuI and CuII-doped cordierites

The possible diffusion and localization of copper in hexagonal cordierite structure, either by Cu1 insertion within the hexagonal channels or by CuII substitution for Mg in octahedral sites have been studied. Limited amounts of CuI (about 30% of theoretical values) can be inserted within the cordierite channels in statistically occupied 4e sites (0, 0, z with z = 0.06 and 0.10 respectively for Cu0.5Mg2Al4.5Si4.5O18 and CuMg2Al5Si4O18). Cu2+/Mg2+ substitution is limited by the competitive formation of mullite and spinel phases.