Synthesis and characterization of the SnO₂-pillared layered titanate nanohybrid

SnO₂-pillared titanate nanohybrid has been prepared by reacting the exfoliated layered titanate sheets with the nanosized SnO₂ sol particles. The stable two-dimensional colloidal nanosheets could be obtained by intercalating tetrabutylammonium cation into the layered protonic titanate, H_xTi_2-x/4□_x/4O₄·H₂O (x=0.67) with a lepidocrocite-like structure, and by successive exfoliation process in an aqueous solution. Monodispersed SnO₂ nano sol particles were prepared by hydrolysis of SnCl₄·5H₂O in the presence of sodium hydroxide, and then the exfoliated titanate suspension was mixed with SnO₂ nano sol solution until the flocculated products formed. The final product was heated at various temperatures in order to complete the grafting reaction of intercalated SnO₂ nano sol on the interlayer surface of layered titanate. Inductive coupled plasma, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and N₂-adsorption-desorption isotherms were carried out to study the hybridizing process and the structure of SnO₂-pillared titanate nanohybrid.