Ionic and Molecular Transport in Hydrophobized Montmorillonite Films: An Electrochemical Survey

Clay-modified electrodes are used to investigate the swelling properties of quaternary ammonium cation-modified Wyoming montmorillonite. Disruption of the structure of the clay was observed at modification rates exceeding 37% of the available exchange sites. Signals for the transport of an anionic pore sampler were attenuated in the presence of the QAC-modified clays. The electrochemistry of nitrobenzene proved the presence of hydrophobic locations within the clay film. Nitrobenzene transport was attenuated by the presence of the clay film but to a lesser extent than the anion, suggesting sorption of the aromatic to the modified clay.