Enhanced thermal stability of the lepidocrocite‐type titanates by intercalation of large alkaline ions

Abstract

Abstract Layered materials are promising candidates to serve for thermal insulation coatings because of their low out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity. The thin film preparation of the layered materials in layer‐by‐layer fashion can be realized by several solution processes. However, the layered materials suffer low thermal stability after the solution processes. Herein, we report a strategy to improve the thermal stability of the layered materials processed in solution. In this work, we studied the thermal stability of the lepidocrocite‐type titanate with various interlayer ions (Li + , Na + , K + , and Cs + ) at elevated temperatures. We proved that the thermal stability of the titanate increased with the increase of the ionic radius. The Cs + intercalated titanate can remain in its layered structure up to 1000°C, while the Li + interacted titanate loses its structural stability at ~280°C. Our work suggests that increasing the size of the interlayer ions is an effective strategy to enhance the structural stability of layered titanates.