Assembly of exfoliated α‐zirconium phosphate nanosheets: Mechanisms and versatile applications

Abstract

α-Zirconium phosphate (Zr(HPO 4 ) 2 ⋅H 2 O, α-ZrP) is an inorganic layered compound. Since the first report of crystalline α-ZrP in 1964, thanks to its simple synthesis and unique physiochemical properties, α-ZrP has found widespread application in many fields including mechanical reinforcing, barrier improvement, flame retardancy, anticorrosion, catalysis, environment, energy, and medicine. Because of the ease of exfoliation of α-ZrP to obtain single-layer nanosheets, as well as its rich surface chemistry thanks to the high density of orderly arranged surface acidic hydroxyl groups, α-ZrP single-layer nanosheets are ideal building blocks for self-assembly or assembly with other chemicals. The assembly of α-ZrP nanosheets could form a randomly dispersed structure (isotropic), roughly ordered structure (nematic), or highly ordered structure (smectic) within liquid colloids or solid hybrids (including hydrogels). Thanks to the combination of the unique structures and the novel functions of the components, the assembled materials have found a wide verity of applications due to their excellent properties. In this article, the methods to synthesize α-ZrP, the approaches and mechanisms to exfoliate α-ZrP, and the strategies to assemble α-ZrP nanosheets to form various structures, as well as the applications of the assembled materials are reviewed. The emerging prospects of α-ZrP nanosheets as a key material in next-generation functional applications are envisioned.

Effect of surfactant type on oxygen barrier behavior of polyvinyl alcohol/α‐zirconium phosphate nanocomposites

“…Consequently, PVA nanocomposite is a good model system for investigating the influence of surfactant on oxygen barrier properties. As for the nanoplatelets, synthetic α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets were chosen for its well‐defined chemical structure and high purity, well‐controlled diameter and size distribution, and ease of preparation into fully exfoliated monolayer platelets in aqueous solution 37–44 …”

“…As for the nanoplatelets, synthetic α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets were chosen for its well-defined chemical structure and high purity, well-controlled diameter and size distribution, and ease of preparation into fully exfoliated monolayer platelets in aqueous solution. [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] The objective of the present investigation is to prepare PVA/ZrP nanocomposites using ionic tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA) and amphiphilic polyoxyalkyleneamine (M1000) surfactants to intercalate and exfoliate ZrP nanoplatelets in aqueous solution. The oxygen barrier properties of PVA/ZrP thin films using both TBA and M1000 surfactants under various filler loadings were determined.…”

“Reaction”-Like Shaping of Self-Delivery Supramolecular Nanodrugs in the Nanoprecipitation Process

“…In fact, diffusion control and reaction control are two basic pathways for elucidating the formation process of precipitates and aggregates in solution systems, which are coexistent but competitive in different molecular binding systems and specific stages . In addition, the recent progress in aggregate science involving supramolecular interactions created different viewpoints on molecular aggregation. , For example, in the formation of supramolecular aggregates from supramolecular monomers in solution, the molecular binding through robust and oriented noncovalent interactions exhibits typical “reaction”-like features, such as isodesmic reaction, equilibrium constant, and Gibbs free energy . This permits us to regulate the formation process of supramolecular aggregates by solvent adjustment, molecular engineering, multicomponent coassembly, and other kinetic means .…”