Microstructural and porosimetry analysis of Ag-TiO2intercalated kaolin and diatomite as nanocomposite ceramic materials

Abstract

ABSTRACTKaolin and diatomite are abundant and widely available geological materials that may immobilize or stabilize functional chemical species on their surfaces for various applications. Acid-treated kaolin and diatomite were intercalated with photocatalyst Ag-TiO2nanoparticles using the sol–gel technique to prepare nanocomposite ceramic materials. The nanocomposites were sintered between 900°C and 1000°C to induce thermal reactions and to enhance nanoparticle–substrate attachment. Chemical and thermal characterizations of the acid-treated materials and intercalated nanocomposites were performed with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)-specific surface area and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed for physical and microstructural characterization of the nanocomposites, respectively. Morphological studies revealed a uniform distribution of Ag-TiO2nanocrystallites in pores and on mineral particle surfaces. The BET analysis showed remarkable surface and grain modification by sintering. Decreases in the BET-specific surface area were observed for the sintered ceramic nanocomposite, Ag-TiO2-kaolin (20.244 to 5.446 m2/g) and Ag-TiO2-diatomite (19.582 to 10.148 m2/g).