Synthesis of attapulgite Clay@Fe2O3 composite via ionic liquid and its application in the oxidation of elemental mercury

Attapulgite clay@fe2o3 (atp@fe2o 3) composite was prepared by a one-pot calcination process via the ionic liquid (il),[bmim]pf6,using two cheap,ecofriendly materials (i.e.,fe(no3)3·9h2o and atp,which is a magnesium aluminum silicate that is abundant in nature). the resulting composite was characterized by different techniques. ir spectra indicated that the atp clay has been successfully modified by the functional fe2o3 species. x-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the natural atp still existed in atp@fe2o3 composite and plays the role as a template. the specific surface areas determined by the bet method from n2 sorption isotherms decreased with the entrance of fe2o3. the activity for oxidation of elemental mercury (hg0) in flue gases was investigated,which exhibited the highest efficiency value of 91% at 220 °c. the results showed that this composite was qualified for controlling and removing hg0 in flue gases as a lowcost,sustainable,effective catalyst.