Modified preparation, and characteristic of vermiculite as catalysts support for catalytic pyrolysis

Abstract

Natural vermiculite, used as layered catalyst support, was modified with different chemical methods, such as acid treatment, introducing into Na+ and organic modification. The vermiculite-based catalysts were characterized by SEM, BET and XRD respect to their images, textures and structures. SEM results presented big pieced of lamellate vermiculite which had complete structure and piled tightly, and the expansion of layer of modified vermiculites. According to XRD results, it had been found that a characteristic peak appeared at 2° compared with natural vermiculite, and the spacing of layers of the modified samples increased obviously. These results corresponded with BET results which modified vermiculites had larger surface area and pore diameter than natural sample. It meant that modification was beneficial to broaden layered structure and modified vermiculites had the potential as catalyst support.