Synthesis and characterization of nano-bentonite by sonochemical method.

Nano-bentonite with novel nano-wire morphology has been fabricated by a sonochemical method in different ultrasound powers, times and concentrations. The nano-bentonite was characterized by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that using ultrasound irradiation led to a bentonite nanostructure. The surface area of the bulk and nano-bentonite was determined by BET.