Gelation Based on Host-Guest Interactions Induced by Multi-Functionalized Nanosheets

Host–guest interaction, being reversible and stimuli-responsive, is ideal to be applied to the design of hydrogels. We created a gelation system based on the host–guest interactions between the adamantyl groups and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer. N,N,N-trimethyl-1-adamantylammonium hydroxide (TriMAA) cations were attached to the pre-exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) nanosheets by ionic bonding through a displacement reaction with the exfoliating agents. The exfoliated α-ZrP nanosheets with adamantyl groups directly or indirectly attached to the surface act as reversible high-functionality crosslinkers within the β-CD polymer. The gelation occurred at a host-to-guest ratio of 1:10 or 1:5 at room temperature within minutes. The agents used to exfoliate α-ZrP can tailor the surface of the resultant α-ZrP nanosheets and the ionic strength of the system, which directly affects the further gelation results. Plus, the exfoliating agent cations may generate a host-and-guest interaction with the β-CD polymer as well. This gelation process without covalent bonding formation should help fellow researchers to better understand the gelation system and host–guest interactions.

Catalytic use of layered materials for fine chemical syntheses

The present work reviews the catalytic use of layered solid materials for fine chemical syntheses with focus on layered double hydroxides, but including other classes of layered compounds of catalytic relevance.

Designing Supported Ionic Liquids (ILs) within Inorganic Nanosheets for CO₂ Capture Applications

A new methodology was developed for the immobilization of ionic liquids (ILs) on α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) and montmorillonite (MMT) single-layer nanosheets via a facile coassembly process. The coassembled inorganic nanosheet/1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) hybrids were systematically characterized. The results showed that the ILs were successfully assembled with ZrP or MMT single-layer nanosheets to form an intercalated structure. The inorganic nanosheet/IL hybrids can serve as efficient CO2 absorbents. The CO2 sorption of BMIMCl could be made up to 21 times more efficient because of the high exposure of the functional groups of BMIMCl in the coassembled hybrids. CO2 was physically absorbed by the hybrids with a slow equilibrium time at lower temperatures, whereas higher temperatures allowed for faster diffusion and chemical absorption of CO2. The best CO2 capture capacities of the hybrids were 0.73 mmol/g at 60 °C for ZrP/BMIMCl and 0.42 mmol/g at 70 °C for MMT/BMIMCl.