Inorganic modification of layered silicates toward functional inorganic-inorganic hybrids

After careful investigation on the formation/preparation, the structures and the reactivity of a class of layered alkali silicates (kanemite, makatite, octosilicate, magadiite and so on) in 1960-80', the applications of the layered silicic acids and the alkaline metal silicates have extensively been investigated. The applications of these layered silicates range from the ion exchanger, adsorbent, catalyst and catalysts' support, bio-related one and so on. For the construction of functional nanomaterials, host-guest reaction has been applied to optimize materials performances as well as to find new functions. The functionalization of layered silicates with various organic functional groups has been investigated extensively and summarized in several review papers. In this review article, the functionalization of the layered alkali silicates and the silicic acids derived from with inorganic species will be summarized in order to highlight the present status of the materials chemistry on layered alkali silicates and their hybrids with inorganic species toward the practical application.