CATALYSTS BASED ON POLYMER-CLAY COMPOSITES

The history of polymer-clay composites dates back to the mid-20th century when the addition of clay minerals such as montmorillonite to polymer matrices was found to significantly enhance their mechanical and thermal properties. They are used in environmentally friendly processes, redox reactions, and pollutant remediation. The introduction of nanotechnology has further advanced these materials by enabling nanoscale dispersion of clay particles, increasing their surface area and interaction with polymers. In recent years, research has focused on environmentally friendly materials, particularly biopolymer matrices such as chitosan and starch. Objective of the study. This review aims to analyze the latest developments in polymer-clay composite-based catalysts, highlighting key challenges and identifying promising research directions. Results and Discussion. Polymer-clay composites provide structural stability, improved mechanical strength, and high thermal resistance. The integration of clay minerals such as montmorillonite or zeolites enhances adsorption capacity and ion-exchange properties, making these materials highly effective in catalysis and environmental applications. Metal nanoparticles (e.g., Pd, Ni, Cu), embedded in polymer-clay matrices, significantly boost catalytic activity, offering efficient solutions for oxidation, reduction, and energy conversion reactions. However, challenges remain in polymer degradation, catalyst deactivation, and scalability for industrial applications. Conclusions. Advancements in hybrid polymer-clay composites with metal nanoparticles offer promising directions for green chemistry and sustainable catalysis. Future research should focus on improving the stability, scalability, and functionalization of these materials to enhance their practical applications in industrial and environmental processes.