Preparation, modification and applications of sepiolite nanofibers: A review

Abstract

In recent years, the ongoing advancement of nanotechnology has facilitated the extensive application of natural mineral materials across various fields. Among these natural minerals, sepiolite fibers, a fibrous hydrated magnesium silicate, exhibit remarkable properties, including exceptional adsorption capacity, thermal stability, rheological characteristics, and biocompatibility. To optimize the utilization of the inherent characteristics of sepiolite fibers, numerous researchers have integrated nanotechnology with sepiolite fibers, conducting extensive and multifaceted investigations. Given the rapid increase in research interest in this topic over the past few years, this paper provides a selective review of the preparation, modification methods, and applications of sepiolite nanofibers. Notably, in addition to traditional preparation techniques, innovative and superior methods such as microwave- hydrogen peroxide method and high-speed airflow techniques are also discussed. Following appropriate modifications, the hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and load-bearing capacity of sepiolite nanofibers have been significantly enhanced, and their compatibility with polymers has markedly improved, leading to widespread applications in catalysis, adsorption, flame retardancy, rheological thickening, humidity control, and biomedicine.