Layered double hydroxides

Hydrotalcite (white) and yellow-green serpentine, Snarum, Modum, Buskerud, Norway. Size: 8.4 × 5.2 × 4.1 cm.

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are a class of ionic solids characterized by a layered structure with the generic layer sequence [AcB Z AcB]n, where c represents layers of metal cations, A and B are layers of hydroxide (OH−
) anions, and Z are layers of other anions and neutral molecules (such as water).[1] Lateral offsets between the layers may result in longer repeating periods.

The intercalated anions (Z) are weakly bound, often exchangeable; their intercalation properties have scientific interest and industrial applications.[2]

LDHs occur in nature as minerals, as byproducts of metabolism of certain bacteria, and also unintentionally in man-made contexts, such as the products of corrosion of metal objects.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference evans was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Khan, Aamir I.; O'Hare, Dermot "Intercalation chemistry of layered double hydroxides: Recent developments and applications" Journal of Materials Chemistry (2002), 12(11), 3191-3198. doi:10.1039/b204076j