Hybrid material based on clay and calixarenic derivatives

Hybrid nanocomposites were obtained in this study by solid-solid reaction based on calixarenic derivatives and natural Tunisian clay: clay-calixarene. For this purpose, two calixarenic derivatives were synthesized and their properties were studied. Results show their affinity towards bivalent mercury and lithium by complexation in a homogeneous medium and vis-a-vis the rubidium by extraction of water to dichloromethane. The clay was purified and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, cation exchange capacity and BET techniques. Intercalation of the calixarenes in the interfoliar space of the clay has been demonstrated by the spacing of the basal space after reaction and the comparison of infrared spectra confirms that the reaction has taken place. In addition, these hybrids have developed important specific surfaces area. Both nanocomposites prepared are among the first synthesis of clay-calixarenic hybrids in solid state. According to the calixarenic structures, it is assumed that these materials were of class II hybrids.