Preparation of Inorganic-Organic Nanocomposites through Intercalation of Organoammonium Ions into Layered Silicates

Recent developments in the study of the intercalation of organoammonium ions into layered silicates are reviewed. The new developments of the applications of the organoammonium-exchanged layered silicates include the selective adsorption of toxic compounds from water, the immobilization of photo and electroactive species to construct novel photo and electrofunctional materials, and the complexation with organic polymers for the enhancement of the mechanical properties. The conversion of the layered solids to three dimensional nanoporous solids with novel microstructures and adsorptive properties has also been successfully done. The novel controlled properties achieved by the modification with the adsorption of organoammonium ions open new opportunities to tailor the properties of the inorganic-organic nanostructured materials.