Ionic conductivity in layer silicates controlled by intercalation of macrocyclic and polymeric oxyethylene compounds

This contribution concerns intercalation materials based on the formation of intracrystalline polymer—salt complexes obtained by insertion of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and crown-ether compounds in a layer silicate (montmorillonite), containing Na + exchangeable cations in their interlayer space. Polyoxyethylene compounds (crown ethers and PEO) are able to associate interlayer cations modifying dramatically the ionic conductivity of the natural silicate. The new organo–inorganic materials exhibit a two-dimensional structure able to induce an anisotropic character in their electrical properties.