Synthesis and Application of Porous Clay Materials in Heterogeneous Catalysis and Treatment of Hazardous Wastes

Dear Colleagues,

Clay minerals are hydrous aluminum silicates (bentonite/montmorillonite/kaolinite) and the key constituents of soils containing magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earths, and other cations. Because of their several valuable properties (ion-exchange capacity, porous structure, large surface area, surface charge, highly crystallinity, and structure stability), clay materials are potentially used in numerous applications, e.g., heterogeneous catalysis (e.g., catalytic conversion in petrochemical industries), removal/sorption of hazardous waste (e.g., toxic metals, radionuclides, and organic contaminants), and as backfill material in nuclear waste disposal. The synthesis of clay materials has an edge over there natural (mineral) counterparts as their properties (ion-exchange capacity, surface area, etc.) could be efficiently altered by controlled synthesis conditions. Moreover, post-synthesis treatment of clay materials (e.g., surface modification) using various organic/inorganic surface modifier can significantly change their potential applications in various fields/sectors.

Over a time span of decades, various promising works have been reported on the application of both natural and synthesized clay minerals/materials in various fields. However, there is still a need for the collection of vast research to solve several unanswered questions. This Special Issue aims to collect quality research papers and review articles focusing on the synthesis and application of clay materials/clay-based materials in various sectors, including catalysis, sequestration of hazardous wastes (toxic metals, radionuclides, and organic pollutants), and in immobilization of radioactive wastes. In this issue, we aim to cover both experimental as well as theoretical approaches/studies in the aforementioned areas. All potential works are highly welcomed.

Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Singh
Guest Editor

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• sorption
• radioactive wastes
• toxic metals
• immobilization
• desorption
• leaching