Structural studies of Silica Springs allophane

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Abstract
The structure of Silica Springs allophane from New Zealand has been studied by high-resolution 27A1 and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Experimental NMR conditions were chosen to give a quantitative relationship between signal strength and Al content. Aluminium is present in both octahedral (Alvi) and tetrahedral (Aliv) coordination, and the ratio Alvi:Aliv was obtained for three samples with different total Al:Si ratios. In all cases the Aliv:Si ratio was 1 : 3, consistent with the ratio in ideal muscovite. The negative charge arising from Aliv was apparently balanced by positive charge at adjacent Alvi sites. Both NMR and IR spectra indicate that Si exists in a condensed network, probably a sheet, with Si atoms linked (through oxygen) to one, two and, possibly, three other Si atoms, but not four. The spectra are consistent with a mixture of Si-O-Si, Si-O-Al, and Si-OH linkages. A structure based on fragments of single curved 1 : 1 aluminosilicate layers, with the tetrahedral sheet on the outer surfaces, is suggested, the diameter of curvature being 2–3 nm. The tetrahedral sheet is more or less complete and has a Aliv : Si ratio of 1 : 3; the octahedral Alvi sheet is incomplete. Electron micrographs suggest that, at least in some cases, the fragments form more or less complete spherules. This proposal seems to accord with Farmer's concept of “aluminous hydrous feldspathoids”. The minimum pH at which Silica Springs allophane has precipitated corresponds to the initial presence of tetrahedrally coordinated Al species in solution.