Synthesis and Characterization of Surface-Functionalized Layered Titanate Nanosheets Using Lamellar Self-Assembly as a Template

The synthesis of metal oxide nanosheets using a lamellar phase as a template effectively modified the nanosheets because surfactant molecules surround the entire surface of the nanosheets. Here, we show the development of layered titanate nanosheets with a lamellar mesostructure. The layered titanate nanosheet forms by using the lamellar self-assembly of cationic dodecanediamine as a template and an electrostatic interaction between negatively charged titanate nanosheets and positively charged 1,12-dodecanediamine during hydrothermal synthesis. This approach leads to titanate nanosheets with new properties such as visible light absorption and a high adsorption of cationic organic compounds, which results in the effective photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation. This approach has important implications for the use of metal oxide nanosheets in environmental and industrial applications.