Here, we describe an improved system for protein crystallization based on heterogeneous nucleation using fluorinated layered silicate. In addition, we also investigated the mechanism of nucleation on the silicate surface. Crystallization of lysozyme using silicates with different chemical compositions indicated that fluorosilicates promoted nucleation whereas the silicates without fluorine did ...

The mixing of polymer matrices with nanoparticles to form composite materials has been an area of great research interest. The mechanical and rheological properties of such composite materials are directly related to the properties of the matrix polymer, the properties of the nano-filler, the strength and nature of the interfacial interactions between the polymer matrix and the filler, and fina...

3-D flowerlike mesoporous architectures constructed by the ultrathin perpendicularly aligned mesoporous nanoflakes synthesized via a cooperative layered calcium silicate hydrates and liquid crystal dual-templating approach show an enhanced asymmetric catalytic activity owing to the facilitated diffusion from the reduced thickness of perpendicularly aligned mesoporous nanoflakes.

A siliceous porous material containing nickel was synthesized by means of an intercalation treatment method using a layered sodium octosilicate ilerite as a starting base material. The sodium ions between the crystalline silicate sheets in the octosilicate were exchanged for hydrogen ions in dilute hydrochloric acid, and then the basal spaces between the silicate sheets were extended by introdu...

An overview of the progress in polymer nanocomposites is presented in this paper with an emphasis on the different methods used for preparing polymer-layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites and the extent to which properties are enhanced. Other related areas that are also discussed include the types of polymers used in PLS nanocomposites preparation, the types of PLS nanocomposites morphologies t...