At first sight, montmorillonite (MMT) looks like “soil.” In fact, it is an “invisible” new energy mineral. Its value is being discovered and developed.
Montmorillonite is a layered silicate mineral. In its structure, high-valence aluminum atoms in octahedra are easily substituted by low-valence atoms. This substitution gives the layers a negative charge. To stabilize the structure, MMT absorbs surrounding cations such as Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺, and K⁺. This unique feature gives montmorillonite strong adsorption and cation-exchange capacities. These structural properties provide great potential in new energy applications.
Lithium Battery Materials
Solid-State Electrolyte
Research shows MMT as an inorganic filler can significantly improve ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs).
Artificial SEI Layer
Li-modified MMT (Li-MMT) enhances mechanical properties of artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films. It provides fast Li⁺ transport channels and suppresses lithium dendrite growth. Full Li-LiFePO₄ batteries with Li-MMT SEI layers deliver excellent rate performance. After 400 cycles at 1C, they still retain 90.6% of capacity.
Separator Optimization
Due to strong adsorption, Li-MMT is used in separator modification. Compared with commercial PE separators, Li-MMT improves Li⁺ distribution at the electrode–electrolyte interface. This reduces selective Li deposition, lowers local current density, and inhibits dendrite growth.
Liquid Electrolyte Optimization
In lithium-metal batteries, MMT shows stronger affinity to lithium than PEO-based electrolytes. Its zeta potential reaches +26 mV. This enriches lithium ions near the MMT surface. During Li adsorption and desorption, the overpotential slightly rises to –57.7 mV. This guides Li⁺ deposition onto copper current collectors.
Carrier Materials
Researchers prepared N-doped MMT/carbon nanotube composites (NMCNT) by hydrothermal synthesis. Used as sulfur hosts in Li–S batteries, these composites suppress shuttle effects. Nitrogen doping improves polysulfide adsorption, reduces capacity loss, and enhances cycling stability.
Supercapacitors
Template Materials
Natural minerals such as palygorskite, montmorillonite, halloysite, and diatomite are used as templates to synthesize porous carbons or conductive polymers with specific morphologies.
Electrode Carriers
MMT can support active materials. This improves capacitance, morphology control, and cycling stability.
Methane Storage Materials
Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) technology is gaining attention. It offers low cost, safety, and convenience compared with compressed or liquefied natural gas. Research shows clay minerals contribute positively to shale gas formation and can store methane effectively.
Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Materials
Electrocatalysis accelerates charge transfer at electrode–electrolyte interfaces. It is widely applied in hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and denitrification. Montmorillonite and other clays serve as catalyst carriers. They prevent particle agglomeration, enhance sensitizer stability, and improve reaction selectivity.
Phase-Change Energy Storage Materials
Phase-change materials (PCMs) absorb or release heat during phase transitions. Natural minerals play vital roles in PCM systems. On one hand, minerals themselves can act as inorganic PCMs when processed with nucleating agents and thickeners. On the other hand, their porous structures are excellent carriers for PCM storage.
ผงมหากาพย์
Montmorillonite is more than a mineral; it is a versatile enabler for future energy systems. From lithium batteries to supercapacitors, methane storage, catalysis, and phase-change materials, its layered structure provides stability, ion exchange, and multifunctional performance. To unlock its full potential, ultrafine grinding and surface modification are essential. Epic Powder, with advanced grinding equipment and 20+ years of powder processing expertise, offers tailored solutions for producing high-purity, ultrafine montmorillonite powders. These solutions empower energy material manufacturers to achieve higher efficiency, stability, and performance.
