Synthesis, functionalization, and properties of intercalation compounds

Layered compounds are nanostructured, intrinsically anisotropic materials which often undergo intercalation reactions producing host– guest complexes. In this work examples from the molybdenum disulfide chemistry are used for discussing how the properties of the products may be regulated by appropriate selection of the guests species used for functionalizing the pristine sulfide. Special attention is given to new intercalates based in the intercalation of surfactants, which under special conditions may act as template promoting the conversion of the layered products into micro and nanotubes. The form how this kind of surfactants may be used for obtaining laminar derivatives of cadmium disulfide with the sulfide in a confined state is also described. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.