The intercalation of L-DOPA into the interlayer space of saponite, a 2:1 phyllosilicate, and the nature of host−guest interactions are investigated by a combined experimental and theoretical approach. L-DOPA zwitterions are accommodated vertically in the interlayer region as a bilayer of partially interdigitated species. The hydration state of the nanocomposite as well as the interaction geometry of L-DOPA molecules in the clay interlayer, are determined by periodic DFT calculations and found to be in agreement with experimentally obtained data. New insights into the transport properties for biomolecules in saponite are discussed.

Green Composites based on montmorillonite (Mt) and cysteine, were prepared for heavy metal removal. A comparison between the adsorption properties of the resulting hybrid inorganic-organic materials and the pure montmorillonite was carried out for the following heavy metal cations Cd 2+ , Hg 2+ , Pb 2+ , Co 2+ and Zn 2+. It appears that the adsorption capacity is higher on the composite. Moreover, in release experiments, the heavy metal cations are more strongly retained by the hybrid material. Interactions between the hybrid clay mineral and the inorganic hosts were studied by spectroscopic methods such as solid-state NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared). The experimental data were in agreement with the theoretical periodic DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations where a molecular picture of the adsorption complex is proposed.