The feasibility of using stepwise exchange procedure to prepare alumina-pillared layered metal oxides was examined with KNb3O8 as an example. [Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]7+ Keggin ions were intercalated into layered K niobate through a stepwise exchange process to form a layered complex pillared by Keggin ions. By calcining this complex in air, the 1st alumina-pillared layered niobate was obtained. The resultant pillared complex has a high thermal stability over 700?and retains an interlayer distance of 1.18 nm after heating at 700?in air. The effect of the starting layer structural properties on the structure and property of the products was discussed.

Key words: ALUMINIUM OXIDE, THERMAL STABILITY, PROPERTIES, STRUCTURE