ALOx-grafted porous clay heterostructures (PCH) with combined micro- and mesoporosity

In this contribution, the synthesis and characterization of a new type of Al-gratted porous clay heterostructure (PCH) is discussed. The support PCH consists of small saponite clay plates, bound by a templated silica matrix. This 3-dimensional solid has a unique pore structure, with a high BET surface area (999 m(2)/g), microporosity (0.306 cc/g) and mesoporosity (0,633 cc/g). Based on the 'Molecular Designed Dispersion' method, a grafting of the PCH surface with aluminium oxide species is performed. The reaction involves the interaction between the aluminium acetylacetonate Al(acac), complex and the silanol surface groups of the PCH, followed by a temperature treatment. The acidic properties of the Al-modified PCH are evaluated by the adsorption of acetonitrile-d(3), (CD3CN), revealing a strong Bronsted acidity.