Spectroscopic observations of hybrid interfaces and gas storage in organo-clays

The combination of multinuclear solid-state NMR, including 1H–13C and 1H–29Si Lee–Goldburg experiments, hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR, together with adsorption measurements of vapors and gases of environmental and energetic relevance, was used to investigate the structure and properties of hybrid organic–inorganic layered materials. We exploited the most advanced solid-state and gas-phase NMR techniques to define the open-pore framework and the nanostructured interfaces of a porous organohectorite containing bulky ammonium ions as spacers, these being of vital importance for the tailoring of new adsorption and separation properties. Adsorption measurements enable to show the storage capacity and selectivity of important gases and vapors. Direct evidence of the gases stored in the porous structure was highlighted by 129Xe and 13C NMR experiments. Organic cations with long alkyl chains intercalated in the layered materials fill up the interlayer space and keep the pockets at a distance. 2D solid-state NMR spectroscopy can reveal the arrangement of the hybrid structures with surfactants, identifying the species interacting at the interfaces.