Copper ions distribution in synthetic copper-zinc hydrosilicate

Copper ions distribution in the structure of synthetic copper-zinc hydrosilicate of zincsilite structure. obtained non-hydrothermal synthesis have been studied. Zinesilite is referred to the layered silicates of smectite group and is described by the formula Zn-x (Zn3-x square (x)) [Si4O10](OH)(2).nH(2)O, where Zn3-x - are the ions located in the octahedral positions of layers, formed by two sheets of [Si4O10] tetrahedrons; Zn-x are zinc ions in the interlayer, square (x) are the cation vacancies. Two types of copper ions were distinguished in accordance with the character of their interaction with hydrogen: (1) - substituting zinc ions in the octahedral positions of layers; (2) substituting zinc ions in the interlayer. These two types of copper ions display the following properties when reacting with hydrogen: (1) - copper ions in octahedral positions start to be reduced at temperatures 553-573 K, and at 723 K reduction degree is 50%; (2) - copper ions from interlayer start to be reduced at 503-533 K with a constant energy of activation. and their reduction may be complete at this temperature.