Photoisomerization of azobenzene in the interlayer space of magadiite

The intercalation of a cationic azobenzene derivative into the interlayer space of magadiite was conducted by the ion exchange reactions between magadiite and p-[2-(2-hydroxyethyldimethylammonio)ethoxy]azobenzene bromide. X-Ray diffraction and elemental analysis confirmed the formation of the p-[2-(2-hydroxyethyldimethylammonio)ethoxy]azobenzene magadiite intercalation compound. The spectral properties, as well as the X-ray diffraction results, reveal that the adsorbed azo dye cations form head-to-head aggregates in the interlayer space. The intercalation compound exhibited a novel photomechanical effect; the basal spacing changed reversibly upon photoisomerization of the intercalated azo dye.