Integrative strategies to hybrid lamellar compounds: an integration challenge

During the past decades, the potential derived from the hybridization of inorganic materials, has been widely studied and presented. The capability of tuning materials’ performances, not only in terms of tailoring their physico-chemical properties to answer prerequisites of a given application, but also regarding the elaboration of novel concepts, opened a door to a radical new world in materials science. However, as a consequence of their diverse chemistry, structure, envisaged applications and historical background, each subgroup of inorganic lamellar compounds were usually discussed separately. This review intends to reflect upon the different categories of lamellar compounds and their hybridization strategies, regardless of their chemical and historical differences. The hybridization strategies of lamellar compounds are divided and presented under two main categories. Firstly, the intercalation/exfoliation approach, where the hybridization of lamellar compounds is operated in pre-formed inorganic layered materials. Secondly, the in situ synthesis methods, where the hybrid character of the layered compound is imparted simultaneously along with the layered inorganic compounds synthesis routes. Finally, in order to tackle the important question of “the place and role of hybrid lamellar compounds in consumer end-products, an integration challenge”, the proven concepts and potential applications defined for these organic-inorganic compounds are discussed.