Multifunctional role and potential of vermiculite as a natural two-dimensional nanomaterial in a variety of advanced applications

The natural layered clay known as vermiculite exhibits a range of distinctive properties that make it suitable for use in a variety of applications. This review elucidates the multifunctional applications of vermiculite in ion sieving, molecular separation, energy harvesting, gas treatment, fire retardancy, and the biomedical field. The potential of vermiculite membranes for selective ion transport and Li extraction is enhanced because of their adjustable interlayer distances and surface charge. Owing to the thermal stability of vermiculite, its use as proton exchange membranes enhances proton conduction, rendering it as a suitable material for use in fuel cells. Vermiculite-based adsorbents were demonstrated to be highly effective in the capture of CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the membranes derived from this material can generate electricity and serve as effective fire-retardant coatings. Furthermore, vermiculite nanosheets have been identified as a promising material for the development of cancer therapies, with the potential to combine photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic treatments. These applications underscore the significance of vermiculite in propelling advancements in environmental, energy, and biomedical technologies.