A nanoscale inorganic material with layered or porous structure combining excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, ion-exchange capacity and a large specific surface area. It modifies plastics and rubber to improve heat resistance, flame retardancy, mechanical properties and ageing resistance; enhances the corrosion resistance, wear resistance and high-temperature performance of coatings and imparts antibacterial and self-cleaning functions; and is also used in ceramic/glass sintering modification, adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants, water softening and catalyst carriers.