Extraction/condensation of H2O molecules from the natural zeolite clinoptilolite and powder XRD study of the ice formed
摘要
The H2O molecules from the coordination spheres of the cations within the channels of the natural zeolite clinoptilolite were extracted by heating in the range of 100–450 °C, followed by condensation. The collected aliquot (water sample) was then subjected to low-temperature powder XRD analysis to study the in situ formed ice. The peaks observed in the powder XRD pattern were confirmed to correspond to a hexagonal ice structure. Additionally, probable minor satellite phase was present, exhibiting lower-intensity peaks with slightly greater d-spacing values indicating a larger unit cell and a correspondingly less dense ice structure. Further studies of the isolated “zeolitic water” are planned. Recommendations are given for use of this approach in cases of other zeolites or H2O (and/or OH−) containing minerals or amorphous natural materials.