a-Zirconium Phosphate (a-ZrP), formula Zr(O3POH)2�H2O,  would appear to be a white innocuous compound.  It has a layered structure and can be prepared as particles as small as 50 nm and as large as single crystals of mm size.  Three of the oxygens bond to metal atoms within the layer and the remaining POH groups point into the interlayer space.  The result is a double layer of POH groups between within the inter-lamellar space  and a single such structure on the top and bottom surfaces.  The surface is reactive and ligands such as silanes, isocyanates, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, epoxides, phosphates and phosphonates can be bonded to the surface.  Additionally many molecules can be intercalated between the layers, and the layer can be completely exfoliated into single layer colloidal dispersions.  Electron donors may be placed between the layers and an electron acceptor on the outer functionalized surface to effect electron transfer reactions.  This versatility of the a-ZrP leads to many practical applications as ion exchangers, sorbents, catalysts, photochemical devices, biosensors, proton conducting membranes for fuel cells, drug delivery, polymer nanocomposits and much more.  We shall expand on these uses and indicate the chemistry and some engineering involved in these developments.

Zirconium phosphate nanoparticles and their extraordinary properties

245th National Meeting (2013)

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