Synthesis and in situ mechanism of nuclei growth of layered double hydroxides

A host-guest material such as layered double hydroxide (LDH) has generated immense interest in current research due to its technological importance, whereby its dimension significantly affect its mechanical and other physical properties. The purpose of this study was to prepare Mg/Al-LDHs by systematically varying the molar concentration of cations, aging time and pH. The prepared LDHs were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and transmission electron microscopy to confirm their formation and morphology. We qualitatively observed a new growth route for LDH system which is dissimilar to the existing growth mechanism. The rate of growth is shown to be slower than the well known Ostwald ripening process. This unusual behaviour is due to the formation of effective passivation layer by Na+ ions around the generated LDHs nuclei. This suggested growth mechanism will be helpful in further controlling the particle size of other LDH, which may be useful for various future applications.