A pseudo-Double-Network Hydrogel Built upon Layered Double Hydroxides with Self-Strengthening Properties

While great achievements have been made in the development of mechanically robust nanocomposite hydrogels, incorporating multiple interactions on the bases of two demensional inorganic cross-linkers to construct self-strengthening hydrogels has rarely been investigated. To this end, we propose here a new method for the coupling the dynamic covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions within a pseudo double-network system. The pseudo first network, formed through the Schiff Base reation between Tris-modified layered double hydroxides (Tris-LDHs) and oxidized dextran (ODex), is linked to the second network built upon non-covalent interactions between Tris-LDHs and poly(acrylamide-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonate) (p-(AM-co-AMPS). The swelling and mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels have been investigated as a function of the ODex and AMPS contents. The as-prepared hydrogel can swell to 420 times of its original size and retain more than 99.9 wt.% of water. Mechanical tests show that the hydrogel can bear 90 % of compression and is able to be stretched to near 30 times of its original length. Cyclic tensile tests reveal that the hydrogels are capable of self-strengthening after mechanical training. The unique energy dissipation mechanism based on the dynamic covalent and non-covalent interactions is considered to be responsible for the outstanding swelling and mechanical performances.

Tunable Method for the Preparation of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Mesoporous Mixed Metal Oxide Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Preparation of high-performance and durable electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis is a crucial step toward the broad implementation of this technology. Here, we present an easily tunable, one-step hydrothermal method for the preparation of Ni-based (NiX, X = Co, Fe) layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (LDHNPs) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), using tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris-NH₂) for particle growth control. The LDHNPs are used as building blocks of mesoporous mixed metal oxides (MMOs) with a block copolymer template (Pluronic F127), followed by thermal treatment at 250 °C. NiX MMOs have a significantly larger surface area compared to the analogous LDHNPs. NiX LDHNPs and MMOs exhibit excellent performance and long-term cycling stability, making them promising OER catalysts. Moreover, this versatile method can be easily tailored and scaled up for the preparation of platinum group metal-free electrocatalysts for other reactions of interest, which highlights the relevance of this work to the field of electrocatalysis.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanocrystal-based Cryogels with Size-Controlled Mesopores and Macropores

Nanocrystal-based processing has attracted significant interest for the fabrication of highly functional materials with controlled crystallinity and fine porous structures. In this study, we focused on the template-free synthesis of nanocrystal-based materials with size-tailored pores using layered nickel hydroxide intercalated with acrylate anions. Polymerization of the acrylates encouraged interconnection of the nanocrystals and the formation of homogeneous gel networks. Cryogels after freeze-drying had pores with an average diameter from 4.8 nm (mesoscale) to 68.9 nm (macroscale). It was found that the surface characteristics of starting nanocrystals determined the phase separation tendency of interconnected species from the reaction media and resultant porous structures. We believe that the present study can enable the design of template-free nanocrystal-based porous materials.

Selective Covalent Modification of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles with Tripodal Ligands on Outer and Interlayer Surfaces

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have occupied an important place in the fields of catalysts, electrocatalysts, and fillers, and their applicability can be greatly enhanced by interlayer organic modifications. In contrast to general organic modification based on noncovalent modification using ionic organic species, this study has clarified in situ interlayer covalent modification of LDH nanoparticles (LDHNPs) with the tripodal ligand tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris-NH₂). Interlayer-modified CoAl LDHNPs were obtained by a one-pot hydrothermal treatment of an aqueous solution containing metal salts and Tris-NH₂ at 180 °C for 24 h. Tris-NH₂ was covalently bonded on the interlayer surface of LDHNPs. Interlayer-modified NiAl LDHNPs were also similarly synthesized. Some comparative experiments under different conditions indicate that the important parameters for interlayer modification are the number of bonding sites per a modifier, the electronegativity of a constituent divalent metal element, and the concentration of a modifier; this is because these parameters affect the hydrolytic stability of alkoxy-metal bonds between a modifier and a layer of LDHNPs. The synthesis of interlayer-modified MgAl LDHNPs was achieved by adjusting these parameters. This achievement will enable new potential applications because modification of only the outer surface has been achieved until now. Interlayer-modified LDHNPs possessing CO₃^2- in the interlayer space were delaminated into monolayers under ultrasonication in water. The proposed method provides a rational approach for interlayer modification and facile delamination of LDHNPs.

Precise size control of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles through reconstruction using tripodal ligands

Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles were synthesized via reconstruction, suppressing crystal growth with tripodal ligands.

In situsynthesis of magnesium hydroxides modified with tripodal ligands in an organic medium

The use of organic solvents enhanced the designability of the surface functional groups of interlayer-modified magnesium hydroxides with tripodal ligands.

Synthesis of a Single-Crystalline Macroporous Layered Silicate from a Macroporous UTL-Type Zeolite and Its Accelerated Intercalation

A single-crystalline macroporous layered silicate was obtained for the first time. Firstly, UTL-type zeolite with macropores was prepared hydrothermally under the presence of acetylene black as a macropore template and the subsequent calcination to remove the template. Double four-membered ring (d4r) units in the UTL framework were selectively dissolved to yield a layered silicate with macropores. Intercalation of tetrabutylammonium ions into the macroporous layered silicate is accelerated if compared with that into the same silicate without macropores, indicating the effectiveness of macropores due to easy diffusion. The layered silicate with macropores was converted into PCR-type zeolite with macropores, a hierarchically micro- and macroporous material, through interlayer condensation.

Preparation of Mesoporous Basic Oxides through Assembly of Monodispersed Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles

Mesoporous basic Mg-Al mixed metal oxides (MMOs) with a high surface area and large pore size have been prepared through the assembly of monodispersed layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (LDHNPs) with block copolymer templates. The particle sizes of the LDHNPs were mainly controlled by varying the concentration of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM), which was used as a surface stabilizing agent. LDHNPs and micelles of a block copolymer (Pluronic F127) were assembled to form a composite. The composites were calcined to transform them into mesoporous MMOs and to remove the templates. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas, mesopore sizes, and pore volumes increased as a result of using the templates. Moreover, the pore sizes of the mesoporous MMOs could be controlled by using LDHNPs of different sizes. The mesoporous MMOs prepared from the LDHNPs showed much higher catalytic activity than a conventional MMO catalyst for the Knövenagel condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate with benzaldehyde. The mesoporous MMO catalyst prepared using the smallest LDHNPs, about 12 nm in size, showed the highest activity. Therefore, the use of monodispersed LDHNPs and templates is effective for preparing highly active mesoporous solid base catalysts.