Nanocomposites derived from montmorillonite and metallosupramolecular polyelectrolytes: modular compounds for electrorheological fluids.

Nanocomposites made from Na-montmorillonite and metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (MEPE) based on nickel and ditopic bis-terpyridine ligands are prepared by an aqueous synthesis. Intercalation is confirmed by IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction. The rheological response in the presence of an electric field of the dispersed nanocomposites in silicone oil is measured with a rheometer.

Tailor-made polyelectrolyte microcapsules: from multilayers to smart containers.

This review addresses the fabrication and properties of novel polyelectrolyte microcapsules, with an emphasis on their mechanical and permeability properties. Ease of preparation through layer-by-layer self assembly, accurate control over wall thickness as well as flexibility in the choice of constituents make these capsules very promising for numerous applications in materials and life science. Moreover, by engineering the inner and outer interfaces, these capsules can be used as microreactors for precipitation, crystallization, and polymerization reactions, as well as enzymatic, and heterogeneous catalysis.