Intercalation (chemistry)

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In chemistry, intercalation is the reversible inclusion or insertion of a molecule (or ion) into compounds with layered structures. Examples are found in graphite intercalation compounds.

Model of intercalation of potassium into graphite




Aside from graphite, well-known intercalation hosts are the layered metal dichalcogenides such as tantalum disulfide and iron oxychloride.[2] In characteristic manner, intercalation is analyzed by X-ray diffraction, since the spacing between sheets increases, and by electrical conductivity, since charge transfer alters the number of charge carriers.



Related materials[edit]

In biochemistry, intercalation is the insertion of molecules between the bases of DNA. This process is used as an method for analyzing DNA and it is also the basis of certain kinds of poisoning.

Clathrates are chemical substances consisting of a lattice that traps or contains molecules. Usually, clathrate compounds are polymeric and completely envelop the guest molecule. Inclusion compounds are often molecules, whereas clathrates are typically polymeric. Intercalation compounds, which are not 3-dimensional, unlike clathrate compounds.[4] According to IUPAC, clathrates are "Inclusion compounds in which the guest molecule is in a cage formed by the host molecule or by a lattice of host molecules."[5]


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