Effect of relative humidity constraint on the metal exchanged montmorillonite performance: An XRD profile modeling approach

► An interstratified (1W-2W) hydration state appeared after 10 Hydr-Dehyd sequence. ► Co-existence of more “crystallite” specie saturated by more Exchang.Cation. ► After 20 cycles the CEC of the starting sample is partially saturated. ► The amounts of Exchang.Cat. varied vs the number of the Hydr-Dehydr cycles.