Synthesis of dispersible nanosheets based on monolayer clays with imidazolium and ammonium cations having long-chain alkyl groups

Abstract

Clay-based nanosheets were produced from montmorillonite modified with organic cations. Exfoliation of the clay was achieved by ion exchange with imidazolium and ammonium cations having long-chain alkyl groups. Dispersible nanosheets as a monolayer clay was obtained through the exfoliation by adjusting of the alkyl-chain length. Homogeneous dispersion of the nanosheets was demonstrated in a non-protonic polar liquid and polymeric solid media.