Electroactive Clay Polymer Nanocomposites for Sustainable Device Applications

Rajapakse, R.M.G.; Malalagama, Theekshana; Bandara, Yasas; Soon Min, Ho

doi:10.48309/jcr.2026.537691.1488

Electroactive Clay Polymer Nanocomposites for Sustainable Device Applications

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

R.M.G. Rajapakse ¹

Theekshana Malalagama ²

Yasas Bandara ¹

Ho Soon Min ³

¹ Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka

² National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China

³ Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Putra Nilai, 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

https://doi.org/10.48309/jcr.2026.537691.1488

Abstract

Clay–conducting polymer nanocomposites (CPNs) have gained attention as versatile materials that are easy to produce and useful across a wide range of technologies. Combinations of montmorillonite (MMT) clay with electronically conducting polymers (ECPs) such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPY), and poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) stand out. These materials combine mechanical strength with the ability to conduct electricity, making them multifunctional. This review explores the development of MMT–ECP nanocomposites from early electroactive films to their growing roles in sustainable energy, industrial waste management, environmental cleanup, wastewater treatment, biomedical devices, and smart packaging. Different methods used to make these materials, such as in situ oxidative polymerization, solution intercalation, and electrochemical deposition are discussed. Each method influences how well the clay layers separate, how the polymer spreads, and how strongly the components bond together. Additionally, the effect of the structure of these nanocomposites on their performance is assessed, using tools such as spectroscopy, microscopy, electrochemistry, and thermal analysis. Their applications in areas including supercapacitors, solid-state batteries, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, chemical sensors, and water purification are reviewed, with special attention to eco-friendly processes and systems that can integrate with biological environments. The review emphasizes strategies aimed at meeting performance needs without compromising sustainability. Cross-sectoral relevance is highlighted, spanning well-established areas such as energy storage alongside emerging fields such as biomedical systems and smart packaging. By bringing together insights from materials science, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry, these nanocomposites offer a promising foundation for building the green technologies of the future.

Graphical Abstract

Electroactive Clay Polymer Nanocomposites for Sustainable Device Applications

Keywords

Clay&ndash

conducting polymer nanocomposites, Montmorillonite, Electronically conducting polymers, In situ oxidative polymerisation, water pollution, wastewater treatment

Subjects

Nanomaterials

Content

1. Introduction

2. Synthesis Strategies

3. Material and Experiment Procedures

4. Analytical Methods

5. Applications of Montmorillonite -Electrically Conducting Polymer (MMT-ECP) Nanocomposites

5.1. Applications for supercapacitors

5.2. EMI shielding performance of MMT-ECP nanocomposites

5.3. Applications in chemical sensing

5.4. Applications in solid state batteries

5.5. Applications in flexible and wearable electronics

5.6. Applications in water purification

5.7. Applications in barrier and packaging materials

5.8. Biomedical applications

6. Conclusion and Outlook

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