ALTERNATE PROCEDURE FOR DISPERSING SMECTITES IN C-B BUFFER

 

 

  1. In place of Steps 2 and 3 in the original procedure, add 20 mL of high purity H2O (18 Mohm-cm resistivity) to the smectite. Allow the sample to disperse by shaking gently overnight. This provides for gentle dispersal. Sonification should be avoided if possible.
  2. Add 10 mL of C-B buffer, which is prepared by combining 2 parts of 1.2 M sodium citrate (from the dihydrate salt) with 1 part of 1 M sodium bicarbonate.
  3. Return to Step 5 of the original procedure.