Microwave-assisted synthesis of saponite

Saponites have been successfully synthesized by using the microwave hydrothermal method at 393 K for 6 h. Al(IV)(Td)/Al(VI)(Oh) ratio and CEC values of the microwaved samples were higher than those obtained for the saponites prepared by conventional hydrothermal method at the same temperature for 72 h. Characteristics of the saponites synthesized under microwaves depended on the initial slurry pH, the presence of fluorides in the reaction medium, and the aging time. When the initial slurry pH was 8, the highest Al(IV)(Td)/Al(VI)(Oh) ratio, and high CEC values were obtained. Moreover, by synthesizing saponite with an initial slurry pH of 7 in the presence of fluoride, the highest CEC value was achieved.