Design and Synthesis of New Functional Materials Using the Interstices of Inorganic Host Structure

Abstract

Effective use of the interstices of inorganic host structures is the key to develop new functional materials. The interstices in layer structured crystals are most versatile; the reaction concerning the interlayer space is called intercalation. Some examples of new functional materials developed using interstices are briefly reviewed, such as clay-organic complexes, porous pillared materials, interlayer grafting, anion exchangeable compounds, and layer structured nitride superconductors. A new silicon clathrate superconductor with a Si-sp³ cage structure is also introduced.