As
a fascinating two-dimensional (2D) layered inorganic ion exchange
material, zirconium phosphate (hereafter ZrP) has drawn interdisciplinary
attention as an ion exchange material and a competent host for surface
functionalization and intercalation. This is due to its captivating
properties such as simple synthesis procedure, excellent ion-exchange
capacity, excellent chemical, thermal, and radiolytic stability, tunable
interlayer gallery, and good biocompatibility. Among all the well-known
phases of ZrP, we restrict our discussion only to the alpha (α-ZrP)
and gamma (γ-ZrP) phases for their efficient ion exchange performance
and more tunable interlayer spacing. This review summarizes a panorama
of the recent research progress on the synthesis, intercalation, and
surface functionalization of ZrP with organic molecules, metal complexes,
and metal ions for the design and fabrication of self-assembled monolayers,
layer-by-layer assemblies, and nanocomposites. Within the confined
gallery microenvironment of ZrP, usual molecules behave unusually
with dramatic enhancement in the photophysical properties. The intercalation
of metal complexes and their fascinating electronic properties will
also be comprehensively highlighted in this review. Furthermore, for
the first time, a cutting-edge advancement (2010 onward) of the versatile
adsorption performance of ZrP-based materials for the uptake of toxic
metal ions which include nuclear waste-related metal ions, heavy metal
ions, and rare earth ions will be presented in detail. Last but not
least, the review will conclude with the summary and future directions,
which will provide new research opportunities for the development
of ZrP based sustainable heterofunctional material.