Methylene-functionalized saponite: A new type of organoclay with CH2 groups substituting for bridging oxygen centers in the tetrahedral sheet

The synthesis of saponite in the presence of bis(triethoxysilyl)methane (BTESM) as an organosilicon reagent results in the replacement of up to 33.3% of the oxygen atoms in the tetrahedral sheet by bridging methylene groups. The methylene-functionalized saponites represent a new form of covalently bonded organoclay that truly is isomorphic with purely inorganic saponite made under equivalent reaction conditions from sodium silicate as the silicon source. The isoelectronic and isolobal relationship between methylene and bridging oxygen centers is essential for methylene saponite formation. Bridging ethylene groups are not incorporated into the Kagome net of the basal surfaces due to a mismatch in bridging group size. The textural properties of the methylene saponites are similar to those for purely inorganic magnesium saponite made under equivalent synthetic conditions in the absence of BTESM. Layer stacking disorders afford large surface areas (∼ 550 to 650 m2/g), making the methylene saponites attractive candidates for use as adsorbents and functional fillers for polymer composites.