Comparison of the photochemical and photophysical properties of clays, pillared clays, and zeolites

Uranyl-containing pillared clays, uranyl-exchanged clays, and zeolites have been used to photooxidize solutions of ethanol and diethyl ether. Product analysis indicates that uranyl ions in the clay pillars produce a more selective catalyst than materials obtained by inserting uranyl ion in the interlamellar spacings of the clay. Mechanisms are proposed to distinguish reactivity and selectivity differences of these photocatalysts. Incorporation of uranyl ions does not significantly affect the cracking properties of pillared clay catalysts.