nanoplatelet

Nanoplatelet refers to a nanoscale plate-like particle with a high aspect ratio, typically possessing a thickness of a few nanometers and lateral dimensions ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers or more. They represent a class of two-dimensional nanomaterials and can consist of inorganic layered materials that exfoliate into single or few-layer sheets, such as montmorillonite and other clays, graphene oxide, boron nitride, layered double hydroxides, and certain metal chalcogenides. Production usually involves intercalation and exfoliation of bulk layered solids, or top-down methods such as ultrasonication, mechanical peeling, and chemical or thermal treatments, often followed by surface functionalization to improve dispersion in polymers or solvents. Achieving uniform dispersion is a common processing challenge due to a tendency to agglomerate.

In materials science, nanoplatelets are valued for their high surface area and anisotropic geometry, which enable distinctive properties in composites. They can create a tortuous diffusion path that enhances barrier properties against gases and liquids, while also reinforcing mechanical strength and improving thermal stability in polymer matrices. In flame retardant formulations, nanoplatelets can act synergistically with other additives to reduce heat release and promote char formation. Functionalized platelet surfaces can tailor interfacial compatibility with polymers or enable further chemical modification. Conductive or chemically modified nanoplatelets, such as graphene oxide, can impart electrical conductivity or enable additional functionalities.

Applications span polymer nanocomposites, coatings, barrier films, flame retardant systems, lubricants, and expanding areas of biomedical research where biocompatible platelets are explored for drug delivery or imaging, subject to safety and regulatory considerations. The term nanoplatelet is sometimes used interchangeably with nanosheet or 2D platelet, depending on material and thickness.