Structures and templating effect in the formation of 2D layered aluminophosphates with Al₃P₄O₁₆^3- stoichiometry

The structural features of a family of layered aluminophosphates with Al₃P₄O₁₆ ^3- stoichiometry (denoted L-n) have been discussed. Their 2D sheets are stabilized by protonated organic amines through H-bonding interactions with certain regularity. The templating ability of various organic amines for the experimental inorganic layers is investigated in terms of the energies of the host-template interactions. Some experimental phenomena, such as the packing sequence of the inorganic layers and the co-templating role of two types of templates on the formation of some structures, can be explained by energy calculation results. Some organic templates that can potentially direct the formation of a given host can be predicted. This further assists in the rational synthesis of 2D layered compounds with specific structures.