The ordered hexagonal mesoporous silica (SBA-15) encapsulated ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) was successfully synthesized using low-grade natural clay from Qaidam Basin as silica and aluminum source, through a one-pot synthesis method. The final product was fully characterized, which indicated that the composite material had better AMP dispersion and immobilization in the mesoporous structure of SBA-15. The adsorption capacity of the final product for removing cesium ions in solution was also 10 investigated. Results suggested that Qaidam natural clay is a promising low-cost precursor for the production of mesoporous silicate support, and the final composite material is effective for the adsorption of cesium ions from solution containing some other alkali metal ions. 65 consideration in potassium recovery processes. Therefore, the primary objective of the present work is to develop an easily accessible one-pot method for synthesis of composite material AMP/SBA-15 from natural clay which were collected directly from a salt lake in Qaidam Basin, Qinghai, and denoted QHS. 70 The adsorption capacity of the final product obtained in this work for removing cesium ions in solution was also investigated
Experimental SectionMaterials A raw representative sample of clay (QHS) was collected from 75