Applied Clay Science最新文献

{"title":"A systematic review of montmorillonite-asphalt composite materials: Green clay mineral-reinforced asphalt for sustainable pavement solutions","authors":"Hao Lai ,&nbsp;Anhua Xu ,&nbsp;Jianliang Zhai ,&nbsp;Youjie Zong ,&nbsp;Wei Deng ,&nbsp;Haoyan Guo ,&nbsp;Bowen Guan ,&nbsp;Mingfeng Chang ,&nbsp;Rui Xiong ,&nbsp;Zhenjun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under the background of pavement engineering driving towards sustainability and resilience, there is an urgent need for high performance and eco friendly asphalt materials. Montmorillonite (MMT) modified asphalt composites arise as a groundbreaking solution, offering integrated advantages in mechanical reinforcement, aging resistance, and environmental decontamination. By utilizing MMT, a natural layered silicate, as a green nano modifier, these composites present a sustainable alternative to conventional polymer modified asphalt, significantly reducing petroleum based additive consumption while enhancing thermal stability and flame retardancy. The unique nanostructure, characterized by exfoliated silicate layers with tunable interlayer space and high specific surface area, enables exceptional oxygen/UV shielding and VOCs adsorption capacities. This review comprehensively examines the fundamental mechanisms governing MMT asphalt interactions, focusing on the synergistic effects of intercalation induced rheological enhancement, tortuous oxygen diffusion pathways, and catalytic pollutant degradation. Key challenges, including low temperature performance trade-offs and incomplete nanolayer exfoliation, are addressed through advanced modification strategies. In addition, given MMT's significant intrinsic physicochemical variability, clarifying the influence of these fundamental properties on asphalt performance is paramount. The review further discusses the scalable fabrication protocols and machine learning assisted performance prediction models to bridge laboratory innovations with engineering practice. This review aims to offer valuable insights for researchers and engineers working in the fields of green and high performance asphalt pavement construction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108007"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"3D-printed Zeolite–MgAl layered double oxides (3D-Ze/LDO) as a reusable adsorbent with dual functionality for effective anionic and cationic pollutant removal from water","authors":"Tarmizi Taher ,&nbsp;Sephia Amanda Muhtar ,&nbsp;Audrey Giftie Natasha Sianturi ,&nbsp;Rizky Aflaha ,&nbsp;Kuwat Triyana ,&nbsp;Aldes Lesbani ,&nbsp;Muhamad F. Arif ,&nbsp;Dian Ahmad Hapidin ,&nbsp;Khairurrijal Khairurrijal ,&nbsp;Zhongliang Yu ,&nbsp;Aditya Rianjanu","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional powdered adsorbents often suffer from aggregation, difficult recovery, and poor reusability, limiting their practical application in wastewater treatment. In this study, a 3D-printed zeolite/MgAl layered double oxides (MgAl LDO) composite (3D-Ze/LDO) was successfully developed to overcome these challenges while offering dual-functional dye removal capabilities. Materials characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, confirmed the successful formation of zeolite - LDO composite in the 3D-printed structure. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that both 3D-Ze and 3D-Ze/LDO achieved high methylene blue (MB) removal at approximately 98 %, while the incorporation of LDO significantly enhanced congo red (CR) removal from 67 % (3D-Ze) to 79 % (3D-Ze/LDO) due to the introduction of anion-exchange sites. Kinetic studies revealed that PSO kinetics best described both MB and CR adsorption, indicating a chemisorption-dominated process. Additionally, 3D-Ze/LDO exhibited good reusability over four adsorption cycles, demonstrating its stability and potential for practical applications. These findings highlighted the advantages of 3D-printed adsorbents in addressing the limitations of powdered materials while leveraging the dual-functionality of zeolite and LDO for efficient cationic and anionic dye removal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108009"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145262932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound-assisted heterogeneous activation of peroxydisulfate by cobalt‑iron layered double hydroxide for efficient pharmaceutics degradation","authors":"Zoha Pesaran-Sharbatoghli ,&nbsp;Alireza Khataee ,&nbsp;Samira Arefi-Oskoui ,&nbsp;Behrouz Vahid ,&nbsp;Nurbolat Kudaibergenov ,&nbsp;Alua Alikeyeva ,&nbsp;Yasin Orooji","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, CoFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) was synthesized using the co-precipitation method, and the successful synthesis of it was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction pattern. The surface functional group of LDH was assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and its elemental composition was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses verified the layered structure of the LDH. The catalytic activity of CoFe LDH, with a band gap of 2.42 eV, was investigated for the activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) under ultrasonic irradiation (US) for the degradation of levofloxacin. The effect of operational parameters, including pH, pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, and PDS concentration, was investigated. The highest degradation efficiency of 97.1 % was obtained for levofloxacin with an initial concentration of 15 mg/L under optimized conditions of 0.4 mmol/L of PDS, 0.5 g/L of CoFe LDH, and pH 6 within 120 min of reaction. The prominent roles of reactive radical and non-radical species, including sulfate radicals, hydroxyl, singlet oxygen, and generated holes, were revealed by employing various scavengers, indicating that the singlet oxygen played the most significant role in this system. The degradation intermediates were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and a probable mechanism was proposed for the levofloxacin degradation. Finally, the developed ternary CoFe LDH/PDS/US system was successfully used to treat three other diverse pharmaceuticals, including tilmicosin, oxytetracycline, and cefixime, achieving 100 % degradation efficiency and highlighting the potential of this process in water treatment applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108004"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clay mineral-based composite separator: characteristics, synthesis, application in Li-ion batteries and LiS batteries, performance enhancement mechanism: A review","authors":"Fangfang Liu ,&nbsp;Pengfei Zhang ,&nbsp;Mengxing Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiuyun Chuan ,&nbsp;Jinan Niu ,&nbsp;Peizhong Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clay minerals, including montmorillonite, vermiculite, palygorskite, sepiolite, halloysite, and kaolinite, demonstrate considerable potential for separator modification in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and lithium‑sulfur batteries (Li<img>S) owing to their distinctive structural characteristics (layered/rod-like/tubular structures), high specific surface area, exceptional chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. This comprehensive review systematically examines the structural features, classification systems, and modification approaches of clay minerals, while providing an overview of recent advancements in their application for LIB and Li<img>S battery separators. Moreover, the performance enhancement mechanisms of clay mineral-modified separators are elucidated through detailed analysis of structural, compositional, and chemical property perspectives. The review also identifies current challenges associated with the implementation of clay minerals in battery separators and proposes prospective development directions and strategic solutions. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to offer valuable guidance and stimulate innovative research toward the development of clay mineral-based separators for next-generation high-energy-density and high-safety battery systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108005"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rotemite, Ca4Cr2(OH)12Cl2·4 H2O – the trigonal chromium analog of hydrocalumite and Friedel’s salt – a new mineral from the Hatrurim Complex, Israel","authors":"Katarzyna Skrzyńska ,&nbsp;Harald Müller ,&nbsp;Rafał Juroszek ,&nbsp;Biljana Krüger ,&nbsp;Georgia Cametti ,&nbsp;Anna Pakhomova ,&nbsp;Irina Galuskina ,&nbsp;Yevgeny Vapnik ,&nbsp;Krzysztof Woźniak ,&nbsp;Evgeny Galuskin","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rotemite, Ca₄Cr₂(OH)₁₂Cl₂·4H₂O, is a newly discovered mineral and the first Cr-bearing member of the hydrocalumite group within the hydrotalcite supergroup. The new mineral is a trigonal chromium analog of both hydrocalumite and its synthetic counterpart, Friedel's salt, representing a large family of novel compounds of lamellar/layered double hydroxides (LDH). This work presents the first comprehensive study of a Ca, Cr-bearing compound within the LDH family. Rotemite was discovered in pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Complex, Israel. It forms tiny hexagonal platelet-shaped crystals that appear pale bluish-violet (daylight) to pinkish-violet (artificial light), depending on the type of illumination. The streak is pale light-purple. Optically, rotemite is negatively uniaxial with ω = 1.565(2), ε = 1.544(2) (λ = 589 nm). It has a hardness of 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale. The crystals exhibit perfect cleavage on {0001}. The electron microprobe analyses indicated the empirical formula of (Ca_3.94Sr_0.01)_∑3.95(Cr³⁺_1.47Al_0.52Fe³⁺_0.05)_∑2.04(OH)₁₂[Cl_1.68(OH)_0.32(SO₄)_0.01]_∑2.01·4H₂O.</div><div>The calculated density, based on the empirical formula and unit cell parameters obtained from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, is 2.18 g/cm³. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements have revealed that rotemite represents a 6-layered polytype with trigonal symmetry (<span><math><mi>R</mi><mspace></mspace><mover><mn>3</mn><mo>¯</mo></mover><mspace></mspace><mi>c</mi></math></span>) and unit cell parameters: <em>a</em> = 5.7944(2) Å, <em>c</em> = 46.69(4) Å, <em>V</em> = 1357.7(10) ų. The final structural model converged to <em>R</em>₁ = 0.0866. The structure consists of hydrocalumite-type layers [Ca₄(Cr,Al)₂(OH)₁₂(H₂O)₄]²⁺ with intercalated Cl⁻ ions. Raman spectra of rotemite are characterized by a prominent band at ∼525 cm⁻¹, typical of LDH compounds. Polarized Raman spectroscopy revealed that signals from O<img>H stretching vibrations at 3441–3442 cm⁻¹ and 3609–3612 cm⁻¹ strongly depend on the orientation of the crystal relative to the polarization of the incident laser beam. This indicates both an ordered arrangement of water molecules and a perpendicular arrangement of O<img>H bonds within the hydrocalumite layers, respectively. The origin of rotemite and other Cr³⁺-bearing minerals is discussed, along with the possible role of the [Cr(OH)₆]³⁻ anion in their formation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108002"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced cesium retention through zeolitization of bentonite under elevated temperature and potassium-rich alkaline environment","authors":"Ji Hoon Lee ,&nbsp;Ho Young Jo ,&nbsp;Jang-Soon Kwon","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the hydrothermal transformation of montmorillonite in bentonite into zeolite under alkaline conditions using KOH solutions (0.02–1 M) at 150 °C, simulating the alkaline and thermal environments of high-level radioactive waste geological repositories. The Cs retention increased with increasing KOH concentrations. In the samples reacted with KOH solutions, the Cs retention capacity was approximately 1.3–1.8 times higher than that in the raw bentonite sample. At KOH solutions, the montmorillonite in bentonite underwent substantial structural and chemical alterations, forming K-zeolite (merlinoite) with a stable aluminosilicate framework and enhanced cation exchange capacity (CEC). The eight-membered ring (8-MR) channels (3.3–4.4 and 5.1 Å) in merlinoite provide an ideal environment for Cs retention due to ionic size compatibility and the low hydration energy of Cs⁺. Thermal and chemical analyses further confirmed the improved thermal and structural stability of merlinoite under high pH conditions. The results indicate that merlinoite formation in bentonite effectively immobilizes Cs⁺ ions under high temperatures and K-rich alkaline conditions, relevant to radioactive waste disposal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108003"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Marine antifouling coating based on modified polyurethane and halloweite nanotubes for slow-release of chlorgentianol alcohol","authors":"Yuan Feng ,&nbsp;Chi Zhang ,&nbsp;Yong-Yin Cui ,&nbsp;Miao-Qing Sheng ,&nbsp;Xian-Dong Zhang ,&nbsp;Hui-Jing Li ,&nbsp;Yan-Chao Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The problem of marine biological pollution seriously restricts the sustainable development of the shipping industry. In response to this technical challenge, this study innovatively developed a composite coating system (HFSiPU) based on the synergistic effect of the dual antifouling mechanism. The system first used molecular encapsulation technology to load the synthesized chlorgentianol alcohol (CHBA) into halloysite nanotubes (HNT), constructing nanoparticles (CHBA@HNT) with a static antifouling function enabled by controlled-release antifoulant. The unique tubular structure of HNT endows the material with an excellent CHBA loading capacity of up to 15 wt%. Meanwhile, a hydrophobic polyurethane (FSiPU) matrix, prepared through the synergistic modification strategy of organofluorosilicon, achieved long-term antifouling through its dynamic surface properties. Experimental results revealed that the daily release rate of CHBA@HNT in the composite coating system remained stable at 6.0 μg/cm² for more than 31 days. The modified FSiPU exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophobicity, with a water contact angle of 115° (a 42% increase) and a reduced surface free energy to 18 mJ/m² (a 63% decrease) compared to conventional polyurethane. In antifouling performance evaluations, the HFSiPU coating demonstrated excellent inhibitory effects against typical <em>Escherichia coli</em>, <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, as well as marine bacteria and algae, with biofilm adhesion inhibition rates remaining above 90% for all tested organisms. This research provides innovative insight and technical pathways for the development of a new generation of intelligent ship protection materials by effectively integrating static controlled-release and dynamic surface antifouling mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108001"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145227090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Compressive strength of clay-based geopolymers: A concise review of the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms","authors":"Shoaib Hassan ,&nbsp;Mineesha Sivakumar ,&nbsp;Ayokunle Odunayo Alade ,&nbsp;Shangeetha Ganesan ,&nbsp;Mazidatulakmam Miskam","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.107985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.107985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Geopolymer is a green inorganic polymer that is produced by using aluminosilicate materials, such as clay materials and industrial by-products in a highly alkaline environment. In recent years, clay had been widely used in the manufacturing of ceramics and building construction. The use of clay in geopolymer production not only reduces the environmental impact of traditional cement production, but also provides a sustainable alternative for various construction applications. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This review is mainly focused on factors that influence the strength of clay-based geopolymers. Several factors, such as clay type, alkaline activator solution, aggregates, system ratio, curing temperature and time were discussed. The review also included mechanism of geopolymerization reaction. Overall, a combination of the appropriate clay type, aggregates, curing conditions, and activator solution is essential in achieving a high strength in geopolymers. Additionally, emerging reinforcement strategies such as nanomaterials, hybrid binders and fiber reinforcements are also discussed in context of mechanical behaviour of clay-based geopolymer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 107985"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced dispersion of mixed-dimensional palygorskite clay via high-pressure homogenization and its synergistic reinforcement in chitosan composites","authors":"Yushen Lu ,&nbsp;Bin Mu ,&nbsp;Yuru Kang ,&nbsp;Wenting Gao ,&nbsp;Aiqin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.108000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nanoscale structural characteristics of natural mixed-dimensional palygorskite clay (MDPal) are limited during applications due to the tight interlacing and aggregation of one-dimensional palygorskite nanorods and two-dimensional layered clay mineral nanosheets. In this study, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) technology was used to disaggregate and enhance the dispersion of acid-leached whitened MDPal (WMDPal) for the reinforcement of chitosan films. The results indicated that HPH successfully realized the disaggregation of one-dimensional palygorskite crystal bundles and the synchronous exfoliation of two-dimensional layered clay minerals, accompanied with the exposure of oxalate by-product particles, thereby significantly enhancing the dispersion of WMDPal. The degree of dispersion was positively correlated with the increase in the homogenization pressure and cycles. The introduction of the well-dispersed WMDPal obviously improved the mechanical properties and surface hydrophobicity of chitosan composite films due to strong interfacial interaction and the synergistic effect of mixed-dimensional nanoscale heterostructure composed one-dimensional nanorods and two-dimensional nanosheets. The optimal WMDPal/CS composite films presented remarkable mechanical improvements with an increase in the tensile strength of 63.49 % to 20.42 MPa, while the elongation at break increased by 67.35 % to 79.16 %, which was superior to that of composite films reinforced with individual high-purity palygorskite or illite, highlighting the promising application potential of natural clays with the multi-mineral compositions and mixed-dimensional nanostructural features. Based on the exploration of intrinsic structural heterogeneity to unique functional advantage, this study paves the way for the development of high-performance composites based on natural mixed-dimensional heterostructure of MDPal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 108000"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functionalized clay nanocomposites for enhanced proton conductivity in polyether-based fuel cell membranes","authors":"Youssef O. Al-Ghamdi ,&nbsp;Sherif M.A.S. Keshk","doi":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.107999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clay.2025.107999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review critically examines the recent progress in the development of sulfonated polyether sulfone (SPES) and its derivatives (including sulfonated polyether sulfone with open sulfonic acid groups (SPESOS)) as functional matrices for next-generation proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. SPES-based membranes offer a tunable backbone, excellent thermal and mechanical stability, and chemical resistance, yet they often suffer from reduced proton conductivity and hydration stability under low-humidity or high-temperature conditions. To overcome these limitations, the integration of functionalized clay nanomaterials such as montmorillonite (Mt), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and sepiolite (Sep) has emerged as a promising strategy. We discuss how these clays improve ionic domain morphology, water uptake, and mechanical reinforcement through molecular-level interactions with sulfonic acid sites. The review highlights scalable fabrication routes (e.g., solution casting, electrospinning, additive manufacturing), performance under realistic operating conditions, and comparisons with commercial Nafion membranes. Particular attention is given to structure property relationships, transport mechanisms, and interfacial engineering strategies that enable defect-free, high-conductivity membranes. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are addressed to guide sustainable, cost-effective membrane design for advanced electrochemical energy systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":245,"journal":{"name":"Applied Clay Science","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 107999"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}