Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction studies on alkali-metal intercalated clays

Vermiculite and fluor-tetrasilicic mica were intercalated with alkali metal s (Na, K and Rb) by vapor transport. X-ray and Raman scattering experiments were conducted to study the structure and lattice dynamics of the new clay compounds. When Rb and K atoms were intercalated to the host materials, su perlattices were formed. In Na intercalated compounds, however, no superlat tice x-ray diffraction peaks were found. Raman spectra exhibited drastic ch anges after alkali-metal intercalation, reflecting the structural changes f ound bf our x-ray diffraction.