This reference work investigates the fundamental properties and chemical behaviors of layered materials, specifically focusing on intercalation and the establishment of permanent intracrystalline porosity. The authors, Kathleen A. Carrado, Prabir K. Dutta, and Scott M. Auerbach, synthesize decades of research to provide a technical framework for understanding how clays and related layered compounds function at the molecular level. The text serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers and students seeking to understand the structural mechanics of pillared materials and their applications in modern chemistry.

Experts in the field of materials chemistry recognize this volume as a foundational reference for understanding the complexities of layered structures. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which is intended for advanced students and professional researchers in the chemical sciences.