How efficiently combine sonochemistry and clay science?

Abstract Clays are widespread materials of natural origin, possessing various surface active sites, exchangeable and structural cations, as well as micro- and mesoporous structures that allow their application in ion-exchange, adsorption and catalytic processes. A recent trend has been to combine clays to ultrasound irradiations (sonochemistry) in a range of different applications and the results demonstrate significant and occasionally surprising synergetic effects. Indeed, ultrasound can lead to significant changes in the properties and behaviors of clays depending on the choice of ultrasonic parameters. Here, the advantages and limitations of the clay science/sonochemistry combination have been critically highlighted in different applications, to understand how, and in which respects, ultrasound could become an essential and efficient tool of clay chemistry in the future.