Microwave-hydrothermal processing for synthesis of layered and network phosphates

Novel microwave-hydrothermal processing was used to increase the kinetics of the synthesis of technologically important layered and network phosphates by one to two orders of magnitude. The new powder processing technique, which is 'environmentally benign', appears to favour the formation of layered phases. A new 13.2 Å [d(001)] layered Ti phosphate has been synthesized by this technique. This phase shows high caesium exchange selectivity and it may be useful for separation of radioactive Cs from acidic nuclear wastes and in decontamination of the environment after accidental releases of Cs.