Topotactic transformation of naturally occurring layer silicates into porous framework silicates

• Applicant: Dr. Bernd Marler
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 416605983

The main goals of the project are:1) Determination of the crystal structures of magadiite, kenyaite and possibly silhydrite.2) Analysis of the influence the layer properties (thickness, Q3/Q4 ratio, distance of terminal silanol groups between each other, layer charge) have on the stability and porosity of the produced microporous framework silicates.3) The development of a deeper understanding of the transformation process and if possible the establishment of a straight-forward-method towards the production of structurally ordered, microporous silicates by the topotactic conversion of layer silicates.4) This project will also aim on the synthesis of new, structurally ordered, microporous silicates by topotactic condensation or topotactic expansion of layer silicates. Minerals as well as their synthetic counterparts will be used. A few related layer silicates containing organic cations may also be included in the study.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Japan
• Partner Organisation: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Atsushi Shimojima