Fabrication of nanocomposites by collagen templated synthesis of layered double hydroxides assisted by an acrylic silane coupling agent

The purpose of this study was to control the fabrication of nanocomposites at the nanoscale interface by collagen templated synthesis of Zn–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) assisted by γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) with further treatment of graft polymerization. The results show that collagen directs the growth of LDHs into curved nanorods by length of 300 nm in perfect consistency with collagen chain in both the size and flexility under the essential hydrophobic environment on the solid surface provided by KH570. The nanorods are aggregated into thin curved platelets due to strong interaction between collagen molecules themselves and strong interaction between collagen and LDH sheets. By further treatment of graft polymerization, the adjacent curved platelets encircle into numerous hollows via chemical linkage, achieving polyporous nanocomposites. Nanohybrid materials with this structure are especially interesting for applications as biosensors or supported catalysis.