Natural Clinoptilolite Nanoplatelets Production by a Friction-Based Technology

Molecular traps, based on natural zeolites, are being used to remove harmful gaseous substances (VOCs). These chemical devices must be supported on an adequate substrate (e.g., paper, polymeric films, etc.). To achieve very strong adhesion with the substrate, the planar shape is the most convenient choice for these systems. Clinoptilolite is a nanostructured material made of nanosized lamellae with a thickness of 40 nm. A new technological approach, based on the use of an abrasive drill, was selected to exfoliate a natural clinoptilolite sample, thus leading to a powder made of single lamellar crystals. The obtained lamellae have been characterized by TEM, SEM/EDS, and XPS.