Nanocomposites made from Na-montmorillonite and metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (MEPE) based on nickel and ditopic bis-terpyridine ligands are prepared by an aqueous synthesis. Intercalation is confirmed by IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction. The rheological response in the presence of an electric field of the dispersed nanocomposites in silicone oil is measured with a rheometer. The nanocomposites show a distinct electrorheological effect depending on the concentration and the kind of intercalated species. The effect occurs with a low content of active material while only very small currents are observed.

Nanocomposites obtained from the montmorillonite clay (Na0.36(Al1.64Mg0.36)Si4O10(OH)2⋅n H2O) and metallosupramolecular polyelectrolytes (MEPE) with iron(II) and nickel(II) are prepared by an aqueous intercalation reaction. Intercalation of MEPE in the interlayer structure of montmorillonite (MMT) is confirmed by different analytical techniques including powder X‐ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. We note a difference in the intercalation behavior between NiII and FeII. The intercalation of Fe‐MEPE is hindered by traces of Fe2O3 in MMT. Removal of the impurities with sodium dithionite and citrate buffer makes Fe‐MEPE‐MMT available. Electrorheological measurements reveal for both nanocomposites a distinctive ER effect. The effect depends on the intercalated coordination polymer. Dielectric spectroscopy shows a different polarization for Fe‐MEPE‐MMT and Ni‐MEPE‐MMT.

We present a general method for the preparation of bis(pyridyl‐1,3,5‐triazine) (dpt) ligands via Stille coupling chemistry. The synthetic procedure surpasses known trimerisation procedures in terms of yield, flexibility, and diversity, as ditopic ligands with different spacers are now available. Polythiophene spacers give rise to different colours by extending the conjugated system and increasing HOMO energy levels. The luminescence properties can be tuned by the spacers, the emission is found in the region from 300–550 nm with nanosecond lifetimes. Preliminary experiments indicate thermochromic properties for the dpt‐FeII complexes.

The Inside Cover features metallopolymers, which can be readily embedded in layered silicates, such as montmorillonite. The nanocomposite suspended in silicon oil reveals a distinct electrorheological effect. Application of an external potential results in an increase in the viscoelastic properties. More information can be found in the Full Paper by D. G. Kurth et al. (DOI: 10.1002/cnma.201500065).