Charge reduction and regeneration in K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ni2+ and Co2+-exchanged Wyoming Bentonite

Controlled calcination of ion-exchanged Wyoming Bentonite in the presence and absence of ammonia leads to layer charge reductions. Detailed chemical analyses of both unexchangeable and exchangeable species lead to the conclusion that in no case is there migration of the original interlamellar cations into the octahedral region of the layers although, in terms of ionic radius alone, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺ and, possibly Co²⁺, might be expected to do so. The production of unexchangeable Mg, Ni or Co, is identified as resulting from high temperature hydrolysis leading to hydroxide or oxide formation.