Nano-structure of organic-inorganic layered hybrids characterized by small-angle scattering of X-rays and neutrons

Organic-inorganic layered hybrids (OILHs) were synthesized by the copolymerization of organo alkoxysilane and metal salt. Nanoparticles were observed in the resulting OILHs using atomic force microscopy, while the inner structure was a speculative model based on X-ray diffraction and infrared absorption measurements. As the characterization using transmission electron microscopy did not result in clear images because of possible radiation damage, small-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering were measured for the dispersions of two types of OILHs containing Ti or Al. After the spectra were fitted using a flat cylinder model, it was determined that the OILHs have a core-shell structure of a clay sheet surrounded by organic layers. The difference in the dimensions of the core-shell structure for the Ti-containing OILH and the Al-containing OILH was quantitatively demonstrated.