Molecular simulation of a montmorillonite pillared layered structure

Pillared layered structures (PLSs) are a group of materials prepared by prompting apart and, increasing the available surfaces by nano-oxide insertion in layered materials like smectitic clays and congeners. Since the first preparations these structured materials have been widely applied for separation and catalysis and their industrial use is constantly increasing. Despite large productions and utilisation, characterisation has not to date given a model of their structure. A model is being constructed utilising all available information from XRPD, SANS, AA, porosity, etc. data and with the use of the CERIUS2 package.