Preparation of copper hydroxide-vermiculite complex

A Copper hydroxide-vermiculite complex (CHVC), Cu_1.61(OH)_2.38(Si_2.95Al_1.05) (Mg_2.75Fe_0.22Ti_0.02)O₁₀(OH) ₂· nH₂O, having a particle size in the range from 1 to 3 mm was prepared from a Zimbabwe vermiculite by hydrothermally treating at 250°C for 40h in copper nitrate solution. X-ray diffraction patterns of the products were characterized by d₀₀₁ reflection of 1.4 nm and their subsequent interger reflections. One-dimensional Fourier electron density analysis revealed that the interlayer structure of CHVC is similar to that of a natural chlorite. The thermal behavior of CHVC was characterized by high temperature X-ray diffractometry and TG-DTA technique. Copper hydroxide in the interlayer was dehydroxyrated in the temperature range from ca. 300 to 700°C. By heating at higher temperature, copper oxide deposited on the sur-face of the silicate layer.