Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yifan Zhang, Dingding Xu, Lifeng Yuan, Qingqing Gao, Qiang Yu, Jiangang Chen, Yuchuan Cheng, Aihua Sun, Gaojie Xu, Jianjun Guo
Summary: This study investigates the influence of exfoliation degree of 2D materials on the performance of MEX-3DP nanocomposites. By using a model material, it is discovered that a high exfoliation degree is crucial for improving the mechanical properties and compensating for weak interfacial bonding. These findings are significant for the design of functional 2D materials using MEX-3DP.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyi Meng, Jing Li, Yuxi Zou, Ningning Li, Xudong Fu, Rong Zhang, Shengfei Hu, Qingting Liu
Summary: An advanced approach of modifying montmorillonite using microbial mineralization and microbial sulfate respiration is proposed in this study, providing a facile method to improve the performance of exfoliable two-dimensional clays as reinforcing fillers for the rubber industry.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Licai Chen, Yunliang Zhao, Haoyu Bai, Bo Ren, Wei Wang, Meixiang Qi, Tingting Zhang, Shaoxian Song
Summary: Anhydrous montmorillonite nanosheets with few layers were successfully prepared through a gasification exfoliation method, addressing the restacking issue of nanosheets. The morphology, structure, and stability characteristics of the anhydrous nanosheets were investigated, showing improved properties compared to those prepared by other methods. The penetration of liquid nitrogen into the interlayer domain of montmorillonite and subsequent gasification played a crucial role in the preparation process.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yang He, Jing Li, Chunyan Liu, Liang Zhao, Zhaoxiang Wang, Jingyi Yang, Lihua Zhou, Shaohua Gou
Summary: The composite of montmorillonite and novel imidazolium-functionalized carboxylate-based polyelectrolyte showed efficient and rapid removal of cationic dye from aqueous solution. The presence of montmorillonite and rigid structure prevented molecular chain curling, enhancing adsorption efficiency. The composite demonstrated high adsorption capacity and potential in wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhengmao Ding, Jie Li, Wei Xin, Jun Zhu, Yunjun Luo
Summary: This study reported a series of low-gloss WPU nanocoatings prepared using OMt nanosheets, applied to polyester fabric, with unique UV-shielding performance and increased thermal stability. Hydrogen bonds between OMt nanosheets and WPU molecular chains were identified as the key factor for the matte level of the coating, while the rough surface of the nanocoating directly led to the decrease in gloss.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lalita Saini, Siva Sankar Nemala, Aparna Rathi, Suvigya Kaushik, Gopinadhan Kalon
Summary: In this study, the authors successfully expanded the interlayer spaces in graphite by intercalating aqueous KCl ions using an electric field. This method exhibited high salt rejection efficiencies and water permeation rates, making it highly promising for desalination applications. The expansion of the interlayer spaces in graphite opens up possibilities for various areas such as desalination, gas purification, and high-density batteries. The authors also discovered the interactions between ions and graphite through spectroscopy studies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Renbo Gao, Yunliang Zhao, Licai Chen, Tingting Zhang, Yanhui Miao, Yakun Zhou, Shaoxian Song
Summary: This study investigates the performance of montmorillonite nanosheets (MMTNS) with different exfoliation degrees and their relationship with the preparation of functional composites. The results show that MMTNS with high exfoliation degree have more negative electrical sites exposed, stronger repulsive potential energy between particles, high surface negative electricity, and excellent dispersion stability. Additionally, MMTNS with high exfoliation degree exhibit better gelling property and higher adsorption capacity for organic matter.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Elena Trofimchuk, Valeria Ostrikova, Olga Ivanova, Marina Moskvina, Anna Plutalova, Tatyana Grokhovskaya, Anna Shchelushkina, Alexander Efimov, Elena Chernikova, Shenghua Zhang, Vladimir Mironov
Summary: The degradation of polylactide (PLA) films of different structures under conditions of controlled composting has been studied. The researchers demonstrated that PLA can undergo degradation within one month in a substrate that simulates standard industrial composting. Regardless of the initial structure of the samples, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) decreased to 4 kDa while the degree of crystallinity increased to about 70% after 21 days of composting. Addition of an inoculant to the standard substrate resulted in accelerated degradation of the PLA samples for one week due to abiotic hydrolysis. These findings confirm that industrial composting can potentially address the issue of PLA plastic disposal.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuhan Liu, Mingpu Du, Zhe Li, Yonghong Cheng, Le Shi
Summary: The existing proton exchange membranes have drawbacks such as low proton conductivity at high temperature, high cost, and poor barrier properties. Montmorillonite (MMT) materials, with excellent thermal and chemical stability, and exfoliated MMT with two-dimensional nanostructures shows promising proton conductivity, thus being expected to become new proton exchange membrane materials. However, there is still a lack of unified theoretical guidance for exfoliation methods. In this study, detailed swelling and exfoliation properties of MMT with different intercalation cations are systematically investigated through extensive molecular dynamics simulations. The findings reveal that the swelling properties depend on the hydration capacity of interlayer cations, and exfoliation mainly occurs through lateral sliding between adjacent layers. The exfoliation energy barrier depends strongly on the interaction strength, swelling degree, and surface charge density. Lower interaction strength, higher swelling degree, and larger surface charge density facilitate an easier exfoliation process. This work provides insights into the exfoliation mechanism of MMT nanosheets and may contribute to the development of efficient exfoliation methods.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaoyu Yao, Tianyi Luo, Tao Yin, Shifeng Lou, Xuan Meng, Naiwang Liu, Li Shi
Summary: The study presents a simple and efficient strategy to exfoliate resource-rich montmorillonite into mono-layered nanosheets, which can be used for removing olefins from aromatics with a high conversion rate.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zeyu Xue, Lu Dong, Zhaoping Zhong, Xudong Lai, Yaji Huang
Summary: The study demonstrates that intercalation-exfoliation modification enhances the capture capacity of montmorillonite for heavy metals, especially showing significant improvements for Pb, Zn, and Cr, while having adverse effects on Cd in some cases. The modified MMT enhances the chemisorption of heavy metals by exposing more active sites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vicente Compan, Andreu Andrio, Jorge Escorihuela, Josua Velasco, Alejandro Porras-Vazquez, Jose Gamez-Perez
Summary: In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide/clay aerogels filled with montmorillonite or kaolinite were prepared. The addition of graphene oxide enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite materials. However, the conductivity drastically decreased after compressing the samples.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lele Zhong, Sixian Hu, Xiaojun Yang, Min Yang, Tingting Zhang, Licai Chen, Yunliang Zhao, Shaoxian Song
Summary: The study revealed that the exfoliation performance of montmorillonite decreases as its layer charge density increases, leading to a more negative zeta potential and stronger binding forces between the layers.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Kazem Baghitabar, Masoud Jamshidi, Reza Ghamarpoor
Summary: The effects of 2D montmorillonite (MMT) on the properties and rolling resistance of tire rubber were assessed. The MMTs were modified to improve their hydrophobicity and enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the rubber composite. The addition of silanized MMTs significantly improved the mechanical properties and reduced the rolling resistance of the rubber composite.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Renbo Gao, Yunliang Zhao, Licai Chen, Jiacheng Fu, Jianfei Ma, Jierui Wang, Kayou Aise Rody, Shaoxian Song, Tingting Zhang
Summary: In this work, a novel method of exfoliating montmorillonite (Mt) to remove cristobalite was studied. The XRD pattern confirmed the complete removal of cristobalite from Mt. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the hydration shell was the main factor affecting the separation of Mt and cristobalite.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)