Recent progress in the intercalation chemistry of layered α-zirconium phosphate and its derivatives, and future perspectives for their use in catalysis

Abstract

After a brief discussion of the present status of knowledge of the mechanism of intercalation processes in α-zirconium phosphate, recent developments particularly in the synthesis of new layered materials with α-structures are examined. Derivatives of α-zirconium phosphate with one or two pendant R groups as well as the intercalation of organic molecules in such layered compounds are reported. Finally, some pillared zirconium phosphates, perspectives for obtaining new pillared compounds with tailor-made porosity and their potential applications as molecular sieves, as shape-selective ion-exchangers and as materials for shape-selective catalysis are discussed.