Tungstocobaltate-pillared layered double hydroxides: Preparation, characterization, magnetic and catalytic properties

A new polyoxometalate anion-pillared layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by aqueous ion exchange of a Mg-Al LDH precursor in nitrate form with the tungstocobaltate anions [CoW₁₂O₄₀]⁵⁻. The physicochemical properties of the product were characterized by the methods of powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and cyclic voltammetry. It was confirmed that [CoW₁₂O₄₀]⁵⁻ was intercalated between the brucite-type layers of the LDHs without a change in the structure. Magnetic measurement shows the occurrence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the magnetic centers. The investigation of catalytic performance for this sample exhibits high activity for the oxidation of benzaldehyde by hydrogen peroxide.     

Intercalation of an oxalatooxoniobate complex into layered double hydroxide and layered zinc hydroxide nitrate

A Zn/Al layered double hydroxide with molar ratio of 3 was prepared by coprecipitation in alkaline pH and used as a matrix to intercalate the ionic complex diaquadioxalatooxoniobate(V) (DDON), derived from NH₄[NbO(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂]2H₂O. In a similar way, the layered zinc hydroxide nitrate, Zn₅(OH)₈(NO₃)₂2H₂O, was synthesized, preexpanded with azelate ions (⁻OOC(CH₂)₇COO⁻), and then intercalated with the niobium complex. For both layered matrices, the results from X-ray powder diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (TG/s-DTA) indicate the presence of the oxalate ion. In addition, results from X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy indicate the presence of the niobium center bonded to oxygen atoms. Finally, diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy suggests that the niobium centers are coordinated to oxalate ions. This is the first report of the intercalation of niobium into a layered matrix.     

Intercalation of Sulfanilic Acid‐Phenol‐Formaldehyde Polycondensate into Hydrocalumite Type Layered Double ­Hydroxide

Polycondensates containing sulfonate groups, referred to as concrete superplasticizers, are widely used in the construction industry. A sulfanilic acid–phenol–formaldehyde polycondensate (SPF) with M_w ≈ 100.000 g · mol^–1 was synthesized from sulfanilic acid, phenol and formaldehyde by polycondensation reaction, and its intercalation into hydrocalumite type Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) was investigated. Preparation was done by rehydration of tricalcium aluminate, a cement constituent, in the presence of the polymer. According to the XRD pattern, SPF was successfully intercalated. A d value of approx. 2.6 nm was found. Elemental composition of the new organo‐mineral phase reveals charge balancing of the cationic LDH main layers by the polycondensate. Thermogravimetry indicates that thermal degradation of intercalated SPF occurs at higher temperature, compared to non‐intercalated SPF. According to SEM imaging, the novel Ca‐Al‐LDH phase exhibits the morphology of intergrown platelets. Ultra‐thin nanosheets (foils) with approx. 50 nm thickness were obtained. The layered structure and d value obtained from diffraction analysis were confirmed by TEM imaging. The new hydride can be used as cement and concrete additive.     

Formation of an Inorganic‐Organic Host‐Guest Material by Intercalation of Acetone Formaldehyde Sulfite Polycondensate into a Hydrocalumite Structure

An acetone formaldehyde sulfite based polycondensate (Mw ~ 64 kDa), which is commonly used as a superplasticizer in cement and concrete, was intercalated into a hydrocalumite type LDH structure. Preparation was done by controlled rehydration of tricalcium aluminate in the presence of the polymer. Formation of the LDH phase was confirmed by XRD, IR spectroscopic and TG measurements. Elemental composition of the organo‐mineral phase reveals charge balancing of the cationic LDH main layers by the polycondensate and OH^– ions. Low crystallinity observed by XRD and presence of LDH foils was verified by SEM images. There, the novel Ca‐Al‐LDH phase shows a morphology of intergrown platelets which is typical for layered calcium aluminate hydrates. Depending on the preparation method, ultra‐thin foils with 20 nm–50 nm thickness were observed. TEM images also support presence of a layered structure.     

Intercalation of poly(methyl methacrylate) into tyramine-modified layered silicates through hydrogen-bonding interaction

Layered silicates modified with tyramine hydrochloride () were prepared and subsequently used in the preparation of polymer–layered silicate nanocomposites. Accordingly, surfaces of tyramine-modified silicate layers are partially covered with the phenol groups, which are able to form hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups of PMMA. In this study the solution-mediated process was applied to prepare two PMMA-based nanocomposites from tyramine-modified montmorillonite and Laponite (TAMMT and TALAP). Through hydrogen bonding, PMMA molecules are absorbed onto the silicate surfaces, and hence silicate layers can be dispersed in the polymer matrix. In the case of using TAMMT whose size is 300–500 nm, the intercalated nanocomposite is obtained. While using TALAP which has the much smaller diameter (25–50 nm) compared to TAMMT, the corresponding nanocomposite exhibits a mixed intercalated/exfoliated morphology. The nano-morphology of the nanocomposites was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and TEM. FTIR was used to verify the presence of hydrogen bonds between PMMA and the surface phenol groups, and in addition, the interaction between PMMA and the surface oxygens of silicates.     

Unique coordination of pyrazine in T[Ni(CN)4]·2pyz with T=Mn, Zn, Cd

The materials under study, T[Ni(CN)₄]·2pyz with T=Mn, Zn, Cd, were prepared by separation of T[Ni(CN)₄] layers in citrate aqueous solution to allow the intercalation of the pyrazine molecules. The obtained solids were characterized from chemical analyses, X-ray diffraction, infrared, Raman, thermogravimetry, UV-Vis, magnetic and adsorption data. Their crystal structure was solved from ab initio using direct methods and then refined by the Rietveld method. A unique coordination for pyrazine to metal centers at neighboring layers was observed. The pyrazine molecule is found forming a bridge between Ni and T atoms, quite different from the proposed structures for T=Fe, Ni where it remains coordinated to two T atoms to form a vertical pillar between neighboring layers. The coordination of pyrazine to both Ni and T atoms minimizes the material free volume and leads to form a hydrophobic framework. On heating the solids remain stable up to 140 °C. No CO₂ and H₂ adsorption was observed in the small free spaces of their frameworks.     

Low temperature structural transformation in T[Ni(CN)4]·xpyz with x=1,2; T=Mn,Co,Ni,Zn,Cd; pyz=pyrazine

The materials under study are pillared solids T[Ni(CN)₄]·xpyz with one and two (x=1,2) pyrazine (pyz) molecules and where T=Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd. Stimulated by their structural features and potential role as prototype of porous solids for hydrogen storage, the structural stability under cryogenic conditions for this series of pillared solids was studied. At low temperature, in the 100-200 K range, the occurrence of a reversible structural transformation was found. For T=Mn, Co, Zn, Cd, with x=2, the structural transformation was observed to occur around 185 K, and the low temperature phase crystallizes with a monoclinic unit cell (space group Pc). This structure change results from certain charge redistribution on cooling within the involved ligands. For T=Ni with x=1, both the low and high temperature phases crystallize with unit cells of tetragonal symmetry, within the same space group but with a different unit cell volume. In this case the structure change is observed around 120 K. Above that temperature the rotational states for the pyrazine molecule are thermally excited and all the pyrazine molecules in the structure become equivalent. Under this condition the material structure is described using a smaller structural unit. The structural study using X-ray powder diffraction data was complemented with calorimetric and Raman spectroscopy measurements. For the low temperature phases the crystal structures were solved from Patterson methods and then refined using the Rietveld method.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of new layered perovskite compounds, AgxNa2-xLa2Ti3O10

Three kinds of new layered perovskite compounds with Ruddlesden-Popper(R-P)phase,Ag_xNa_(2-x)La_2Ti_3O_(10)(x=0.2,0.3 and 0.5),were synthesized by an ion-exchange reaction of Na_2La_2Ti_3O_(10)with AgNO_3 solution.The structures of the compounds were characterized by EDX and XRD,and their antibacterial activity and light-resistance property were evaluated.The results indicated that the molecular formula of Ag_xNa_(2-x)La_2Ti_3O_(10)(x=0.2,0.3 and 0.5)was confirmed,and that the crystalline structure of Na_2La_2Ti_3O_(10)was not obviously affected by exchange of silver ion.The minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs)of Ag_(0.3)Na_(1.7)La_2Ti_3O_(10)against Escherichia coli(E.coli),Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)were 180μg/mL and 240μg/mL, respectively,while its discoloration was not observed after 24 h light ageing test.     

Lattice engineering route for self-assembled nanohybrids of 2D layered double hydroxide with 0D isopolyoxovanadate: chemiresistive SO2 sensor

Tuning the interior chemical composition of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) via lattice engineering route is a unique approach to enable multifunctional applications of LDHs. In this regard, the exfoliated 2D LDH nanosheets coupled with various guest species lead to the lattice-engineered LDH-based multifunctional self-assembly with precisely tuned chemical composition. This article reports the synthesis and characterization of mesoporous zinc–chromium-LDH (ZC-LDH) hybridized with isopolyoxovanadate nanohybrids (ZCiV) via lattice-engineered self-assembly between delaminated ZC-LDH nanosheets and isopolyoxovanadate (iPOV) anions. Electrostatic self-assembly between 2D ZC-LDH monolayers and 0D iPOV significantly altered structural, morphological, and surface properties of ZC-LDH. The structural and morphological study demonstrated the formation of mesoporous interconnected sheet-like architectures composed of restacked ZCiV nanosheets with expanded surface area and interlayer spacing. In addition, the ZCiV nanohybrid resistive elements were used as a room-temperature gas sensor. The selectivity of ZCiV nanohybrid was tested for various oxidizing (SO₂, Cl₂, and NO₂) gases and reducing (LPG, CO, H₂, H₂S, and NH₃) gases. The optimized ZCiV nanohybrid demonstrated highly selective SO₂ detection with the maximum SO₂ response (72%), the fast response time (20 s), low detection limit (0.1 ppm), and long-term stability at room temperature (27 ± 2 °C). Of prime importance, ZCiV nanohybrids exhibited moderately affected SO₂ sensing responses with high relative humidity conditions (80%–95%). The outstanding SO₂ sensing performance of ZCiV is attributed to the active surface gas adsorptive sites via plenty of mesopores induced by a unique lattice-engineered interconnected sheet-like microstructure and expanded interlayer spacing.     

Intercalation assembly of kojic acid into Zn-Ti layered double hydroxide with antibacterial and whitening performances

The inhibitor of melanin and the bacteriostatic agent kojic acid was inserted into Zn-Ti layered double hydroxide (LDH) by anion-exchange reaction. The structure, slow release, antibacterial and skin whitening activity were studied.     

新型锌铝水滑石紫外吸收剂的制备及其紫外吸收性能

以有机紫外吸收剂2-苯基苯并咪唑-5-磺酸(PBSA)、N,N-二甲氨基苯甲酸(DABA)为有机原料,采用共沉淀法,合成了有机紫外吸收剂插层水滑石Zn2Al-LDH/PBSA和Zn2Al-LDH/DABA,并测定了所得到的样品的XRD、FT IR、薄膜紫外吸收性质和氧化催化活性。结果表明,当有机紫外吸收剂以阴离子的形式进入水滑石层间后,仍有良好的紫外吸收性能并在可见光区有很好的透光性;通过测定插层水滑石的氧化催化活性,与纯有机物相比,Zn2Al-LDH/PBSA和Zn2Al-LDH/DABA的氧化催化活性明显降低。合成的新型的插层水滑石有望在防晒产品中得到应用。     

Nickel-based layered superconductor, LaNiOAs

Rietveld analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction of a new layered oxyarsenide, LaNiOAs, which was synthesized by solid-state reactions, revealed that LaNiOAs belongs to the tetragonal ZrCuSiAs-type structure (P4/nmm) and is composed of alternating stacks of La-O and Ni-As layers. The electrical and magnetic measurements demonstrated that LaNiOAs exhibits a superconducting transition at 2.4 K, and above this, LaNiOAs shows metallic conduction and Pauli paramagnetism. The diamagnetic susceptibility measured at 1.8 K corresponded to ∼20% of perfect diamagnetic susceptibility, substantiating that LaNiOAs is a bulk superconductor.     

Construction of a double-layered tetrahedral network within a perovskite host: Two-step route to the alkali-metal-halide layered perovskite, (LixCl)LaNb2O7

A two-step topotactic route is used to construct lithium halide layers within a perovskite host. Initially RbLaNb₂O₇ is converted to (CuCl)LaNb₂O₇ by ion exchange and then reductive intercalation with n-butyllithium is used to form (Li_xCl)LaNb₂O₇. The copper metal byproduct from the reduction step is removed by treatment with iodine. Rietveld refinement of neutron powder diffraction data revealed that an alkali-halide double layer with LiO₂Cl₂ tetrahedra forms between the perovskite slabs. Compositional studies indicate that the range for x in (Li_xCl)LaNb₂O₇ is 2?x<4, which appears consistent with the neutron data where only one lithium site was found in the structure.     

Li?π interaction in coronene-azacrown ether system

The combination of the coronene ring and azacrown ether generated a new kind of host molecule in which the Li⁺ binding ability originated from the cation-dipole interaction (crown moiety) and the cation-π interaction (coronene ring). Introducing a large π face (coronene ring) enhanced cation binding ability of the crown ether. The NMR, the fluorescence spectra, and ab initio calculations strongly indicated the effect of the cation-π interaction.     

Intercalation assembly of optical hybrid materials based on layered terbium hydroxide hosts and organic sensitizer anions guests

Optical hybrid materials based on inorganic hosts and organic sensitizer guests hold promise for a virtually unlimited number of applications.In particular,the interaction and the combination of the properties of a defined inorganic matrix and a specific sensitizer could lead to synergistic effects in luminescence enhancing and tuning.The current article focuses on the intercalation assembly of optical hybrid materials based on the layered terbium hydroxide(LTbH) hosts and organic divalent carboxylic sensitizer anion guests by a hydrothermal process.The studies on the interactions between hosts and guests indicate that the type and arrangement of organic guests in the layer spacing of the LTbH hosts can make a difference in the luminescence of the hybrid inorganic-organic materials.     

Supramolecular Inorganic Chemistry: Small Guests in Small and Large Hosts

A key reaction in the biological and material world is the controlled linking of simple (molecular) building blocks, a reaction with which one can create mesoscopic structures, which, for example, contain cavities and display specifically desired properties, but also compounds that exhibit typical solid-state structures. The best example in this context is the chemistry of host–guest interactions, which spans the entire range from three- and two-dimensional to one- and “zero-dimensional”, discrete host structures. Members of the class of multidimensional compounds have been classified as such for a long time, for example, clathrates and intercalation compounds. Thus far, however, there are no classifications for discrete inorganic host–guest compounds. The first systematic approach can be applied to novel polyoxometalates, a class of compounds which has only recently become known. Molecular recognition; tailor-made, molecular engineering; control of fragment linkage of spin organization and crystallization; cryptands and coronands as “cages” for cations, anions or anion–cation aggregates as sections of ionic lattices; anions within anions, receptors; host–guest interactions; complementarity, as well as the dialectic terms reduction and emergence are important terms and concepts of supramolecular inorganic chemistry. Of particular importance for future research is the comprehension of the mesoscopic area (molècular assemblies)—that between individual molecules and solids (“substances”)—which acts in the biological world as carrier of function and information and for which interesting material properties are expected. This area is accessible through certain variations of “controlled” self-organization processes, which can be demonstrated by using examples from the chemistry of polyoxometalates. The comprehension of the laws that rule the linking of simple polyhedra to give complex systems enables one to deal with numerous interdisciplinary areas of research: crystal physics and chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, bioinorganic chemistry (biomineralization), and materials science. In addition, conservative self-organization processes, for example template-directed syntheses, are of importance for natural philosophy in the context of the question about the inherent properties of material systems.     

Dispersion control and nematic ordering of Ni/Al layered double hydroxide suspensions

In this paper, we report the preparation of aqueous suspensions of Ni/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles by a non-steady co-precipitation followed by peptization. By choosing suitable peptization temperature and time, well-dispersed suspensions were obtained. Meanwhile, the particle size, shape and size polydispersity can be efficiently controlled. Nematic ordering is observed in colloidal Ni/Al LDH suspensions and confirmed by birefringence observations and SAXS measurements. Furthermore, we showed that the sol-gel transition takes place after a liquid crystalline phase transition in concentrated Ni/Al LDH suspensions. The absence of isotropic-nematic phase separation can be attributed to the fact that the nematic phase droplets are too small to settle to the bottom of the cuvette.     

Swelling, intercalation, and exfoliation behavior of layered ruthenate derived from layered potassium ruthenate

The intercalation chemistry of a layered protonic ruthenate, H_0.2RuO_2.1·nH₂O, derived from a layered potassium ruthenate was studied in detail. Three phases with different hydration states were isolated, H_0.2RuO_2.1·nH₂O (n=0, 0.5, 0.9), and its reactivity with tetrabutylammonium ions (TBA⁺) was considered. The layered protonic ruthenate mono-hydrate readily reacted with TBA⁺, affording direct intercalation of bulky tetrabutylammonium ions into the interlayer gallery. Fine-tuning the reaction conditions allowed exfoliation of the layered ruthenate into elementary nanosheets and thereby a simplified one-step exfoliation was achieved. Microscopic observation by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy clearly showed the formation of unilamellar sheets with very high two-dimensional anisotropy, a thickness of only 1.3±0.1 nm. The nanosheets were characterized by two-dimensional crystallites with the oblique cell of a=0.5610(8) nm, b=0.5121(6) nm and γ=109.4(2)° on the basis of in-plane diffraction analysis.     

The effect of Zn, Al layered double hydroxide on thermal decomposition of poly(vinyl chloride)

Poly(vinyl chloride)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite was prepared by mixing 4 wt% Zn₂Al-CO₃-LDH with PVC and fluxing at 180 °C. The thermal decomposition behaviour of the LDH + PVC composite in air and nitrogen environments was systematically investigated. We found that mixing Zn₂Al-CO₃-LDH into PVC facilitates dehydrochlorination from ca. 300 to 270 °C but reduces the reaction extent to leave more chlorine on the polyene backbones both in air and N₂. We have also found that at 400-550 °C, both in air and N₂, LDH assists the formation of char-like materials and decreases the release of volatile hydrocarbons. From 550 to 800 °C, the char-like materials are mostly retained in N₂ while they are almost completely thermo-oxidized (burned) in air. Thus, addition of Zn₂Al-CO₃-LDH to PVC does not increase the thermal stability, but does promote charring to retard the generation of flame. The influence of LDH on PVC thermal properties has been also addressed mechanically.     

高分子-无机夹层化合物的合成、结构和性能

由高分子和插入无机层状固体层间形成的夹层化合物是近年发展起来的一类具有诱人前景的新型功能材料,在许多领域具有广的前景。本文对这夹层化合的合成、结构、性能及应用前景等方面的研究进展进行了评述。