A Comprehensive Study on the Applications of Clays into Advanced Technologies, with a Particular Attention on Biomedicine and Environmental Remediation

In recent years, a great interest has arisen around the integration of naturally occurring clays into a plethora of advanced technological applications, quite far from the typical fabrication of traditional ceramics. This second (technological) life of clays into fields of emerging interest is mainly due to clays' peculiar properties, in particular their ability to exchange (capture) ions, their layered structure, surface area and reactivity, and their biocompatibility. Since the maximization of clay performances/exploitations passes through the comprehension of the mechanisms involved, this review aims at providing a useful text that analyzes the main goals reached by clays in different fields coupled with the analysis of the structure-property correlations. After providing an introduction mainly focused on the economic analysis of clays global trading, clays are classified basing on their structural/chemical composition. The main relevant physicochemical properties are discussed (particular attention has been dedicated to the influence of interlayer composition on clay properties). Lastly, a deep analysis of the main relevant nonconventional applications of clays is presented. Several case studies describing the use of clays in biomedicine, environmental remediation, membrane technology, additive manufacturing, and sol-gel processes are presented, and results critically discussed.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating naturally occurring clays into advanced technological applications. This is due to the unique properties of clays, such as ion exchange capability, layered structure, surface area and reactivity, and biocompatibility. This review provides a useful analysis of the main goals achieved by clays in different fields and their structure-property correlations. It also explores the nonconventional applications of clays in various areas, including biomedicine, environmental remediation, membrane technology, additive manufacturing, and sol-gel processes.