Synthetic α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) layer structures have been prepared via three different approaches. By controlling the concentration of reactants, temperature, pressure, and using a complexing agent, α-ZrP with a wide variation in aspect ratios has been prepared. Synthetic α-ZrP can be easily intercalated by amines and then exfoliated in epoxy to prepare polymer nanocomposites. Nanocomposites that contain exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets with wide variations in aspect ratios can be utilized as model systems to study the structure–property relationship in polymer nanocomposites.

Preparation of α-zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets with wide variations in aspect ratios

Properties of both amorphous and crystalline salts of tetravalent metals are reviewed, with special emphasis on the much studied salt of zirconium phosphate. The discussion includes: (1) method of preparation, (2) interlayered crystal structure, (3) effect of counter ions on interlayer distance and steric hindrance, (4) mechanism of ion exchange, and (5) the interaction of polar molecules. Other insoluble acid salts with a layered structure include the phosphates of titanium, hafnium, germanium, tin, lead, and the arsenates of titanium, zirconium, and tin. Fibrous precipitates of the insoluble acid salts of cesium and thorium phosphate are mentioned briefly. Under appropriate experimental conditions, insoluble acid of unknown structure can be obtained. Investigations of their crystalline structure may be highly desirable. The ion exchange capacities of many of these substances are evaluated. 80 references, 3 tables, 4 figures.

Syntheses, crystalline structure, and ion-exchange properties of insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals and their salt forms

Inorganic ion-exchange pellicles obtained by delamination of α-zirconium phosphate crystals

Novel Nafion–zirconium phosphate nanocomposite membranes with enhanced stability of proton conductivity at medium temperature and high relative humidity

High-crystallinity α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) crystals which contain stacks of high aspect ratio nanoplatelets were synthesized and exfoliated with tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide in aqueous dispersion. The exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets were then transferred into water-miscible organic solvents, such as acetone, by centrifugation and re-dispersion. The resulting exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets in organic solvents can be easily utilized to prepare polymer nanocomposites. Through such an approach, epoxy/α-ZrP nanocomposites containing high aspect ratio α-ZrP nanoplatelets have been prepared. The presence of the well-exfoliated nanocomposite structure is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.

Preparation of Exfoliated Epoxy/α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposites Containing High Aspect Ratio Nanoplatelets

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals—XX Forward and reverse Cs+/H+ and Rb+/H+ ion exchange on crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals — XV The influence of preparation methods on the ion-exchange behaviour of crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals—XVI: Forward and reverse lithium-potassium ion exchange isotherms of crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals — XIV Forward and reverse sodium-potassium ion exchange isotherms on crystalline zirconium phosphate

M.A. Massucci

Papers

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals—XX Forward and reverse Cs+/H+ and Rb+/H+ ion exchange on crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals — XV The influence of preparation methods on the ion-exchange behaviour of crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals—XVI: Forward and reverse lithium-potassium ion exchange isotherms of crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals — XIV Forward and reverse sodium-potassium ion exchange isotherms on crystalline zirconium phosphate

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals—XVII