Comparison of Analysis Results and Modification of Na+-Montmorillonite with Ionic Liquids

In this study, preliminary data are reported on the modification of sodium montmorillonite modified with imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids. Commercially available unmodified clay was treated under different conditions with aqueous solutions of three ionic liquids such as 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl 4-methyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate and 1-methyl 3-octyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and the results were compared with ammonium dodecyl sulphate. The modified materials were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM and WXRD analysis. The analysis results show an overall increase in interlamellar spacing as a result of sodium cation exchange with the cations of the ionic liquids and long chain quaternary ammonium salt. The thermal stabilities of the organoclays is higher than unmodified clay.