Surface modification of layered zirconium phosphates: a novel pathway to multifunctional materials

The intercalation of inorganic layered materials has resulted in a wide range of applicability. In such cases the applicability of the material is largely dependent upon the species intercalated within the layer, and the layered material acts largely as a host. Recently, the surface modification of inorganic layered materials has been investigated and it has been shown that the exterior layers can be exclusively functionalized. The advent of surface chemistry allows for the synthesis of particles with both a controlled interlayer and surface. This approach can be used to tailor nanoparticles for specific applications. Herein we review the surface chemistry of α-zirconium bis(monohydrogen orthophosphate) monohydrate (Zr(HPO4)2·H2O, α-ZrP) along with some applications of recent interest. Not only can these reactions be applied to α-ZrP, but similar chemistry can also be expanded to other layered materials and systems.