Dual-functional Janus nanosheets with cation exchangeability and thermo-responsiveness prepared via regioselective modification of K₄Nb₆O₁₇•3H₂O

Dual-functional Janus nanosheets were prepared by growing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroxymethylacrylamide) chains on one face of individual negatively-charged nanosheets derived from K₄Nb₆O₁₇¢3H₂O via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. They exhibited aggregation behavior in water upon heating based on the thermo-responsiveness of the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroxymethylacrylamide) chains and the intrinsic cation exchangeability of the unmodified face.