A Review on Layered Mineral Nanosheets Intercalated with Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Polymers and Their Applications

Abstract

Materials with layered structures at the nanoscale have lately drawn significant attention from engineers and scientists in the fields of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, due to the unique characteristics that originate from their hierarchical structure. The nanosized free space between each two adjacent layers, so‐called the interlayer space, is an attractive place that can be manipulated by incorporating different molecular species to generate novel physical and mechanical behaviors. This review highlights the latest studies and new important developments on possible methods of intercalating popular species such as hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers into the interlayer spaces of layered materials. It also provides a description of intercalation processes as well as final applications for better understanding, as it is believed to be an effective factor in utilizing these materials in research and industry. Finally, this review gives perspectives on the future applicants of inorganic layered materials filled with polymers with different hydrophilicity properties.

Intercalation-Induced Irreversible Lattice Distortion in Layered Double Hydroxides

“…Initially, NiFe LDHs were synthesized via electrodeposition during which the anions from the electrolyte became incorporated into the anion layers of the LDHs. Subsequently, an electrochemical post-treatment facilitated the reduction of boron tungstate ([BW 12 O 40 ] n – , BWO) anionic clusters in an electrolyte, enabling their rapid intercalation into the LDH’s layer (BWO@NiFe LDHs), driven by strong electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged clusters and the positively charged metal-hydroxide layer. − In general, inorganic anions with a higher charge-to-radius ratio exhibit a favorable tendency for insertion . In the case of Keggin-type polyoxometalates including the BWO anion clusters, it was reported that anion exchange is possible for those with a charge exceeding 6 .…”

Modification of Ti3C2Tx MXene with hyperbranched polyethylene ionomers: stable dispersions in nonpolar/low-polarity organic solvents, oxidation protection, and potential application in supercapacitors

“…49 The expansion of the interlayer spacing achieved after the removal of Al by etching is limited to about 11 Å and is not suitable for applications where better access to the surface area of MXene sheets is required. 51 Due to the presence of –OH, –O, and –F groups on the surface, unmodified MXenes show a ζ potential of −38 mV in water.…”

2D Crystals in Three Dimensions: Electronic Decoupling of Single‐Layered Platelets in Colloidal Nanoparticles

“…[22,23] Among neutral intercalates, polymers, [24] heterolayers, [25] and molecules have been studied. [26][27][28] Förster et al recently showed that point defects in TMDCs can be healed by the presence of surfactants. [29] Here, we show that electronic decoupling of the layers is also achieved in the surfactant-based intercalation approach, and that electronic layer separation is achieved upon lattice enlargement by ~4 Å only.…”

“…Tuning properties of layered materials via intercalating charged species is known for a long time . Among neutral intercalates, polymers, heterolayers, and molecules have been studied . Förster et al recently showed that point defects in TMDCs can be healed by the presence of surfactants …”