Researchers develop new method for the technological use of 2D nanomaterials

There is great potential for innovation with the finely structured two-dimensional materials of nansheets. They are fixed on top of each other and must be separated from each other so that they can be used. A research team at the University of Bayreuth has developed a process that can be used on an industrial scale. This is the first time that a crystal from the technologically attractive group of zeolites has been made usable.

The delamination process in Bayreuth is characterized by the fact that the structures of thenanosheets isolated from each other remain undamaged. It can be used in a normal room temperature. The results are presented in detail in Science Advances.

The two-dimensional nanosheets are held together by the forces of nature. In order for them to be used for technological applications, the electrostatic forces must be overcome. osmotic swelling is a method that can be used for this, in which the sheets are forced apart by water. It has only been possible to apply it to a few types of crystals. The mechanism of osmotic swelling has not yet been applied for the group of zeolites, whose silicate-Containing fine structures are highly interesting for the production of functional membranes.

The Bayreuth research team has found a way to use osmotic swelling for the separation of ilerite crystals. In the process, sugar is put into the narrow spaces between the sheets. The scuplture is stacked on top of each other and separated by water. Their spacing becomes larger. After drying, a solid surface is created that is composed of many nanosheets. These are like playing cards with only a few gaps. The diameter of the individual sheets is around 9000 times greater than the thickness.

The possibility of fixing a larger number of such surfaces on top of each other is now possible. The new material's nanostructures are offset from each other in this process. Their gaps are not exactly on top of each other, so that signals cannot penetrate the new material directly. A wide range of potential applications, such as in packaging used to keep food fresh, in components for optoelectronics, and possibly even in batteries, are possible because of this labyrinthine overall structure.

More information: Patrick Loch et al, Nematic suspension of a microporous layered silicate obtained by forceless spontaneous delamination via repulsive osmotic swelling for casting high-barrier all-inorganic films, Science Advances (2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9084 Journal information: Science Advances Citation: Researchers develop new method for the technological use of 2D nanomaterials (2022, May 31) retrieved 31 May 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-05-method-technological-2d-nanomaterials.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.