Stacking of lamellae in Mg/Al hydrotalcites: Effect of metal ion concentrations on morphology

A hybrid nanocomposite based on the intercalation of carbonate anion has been synthesized through co-precipitation technique. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns (PXRD) showed pure layered double hydroxide (LDH) phases having crystallite size around 20 and 13 nm in ‘a’ and ‘c’ crystallographic directions, respectively. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy measurements exhibit shifting of bands with increase of divalent metal ion concentration and it further suggests the presence of carbonate anions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) exhibit the three stages of thermal degradation, which is characteristic behaviour of layered double hydroxide. CHN and energy dispersive X-ray analysis support the PXRD and spectroscopy results. The nature of charge observed through Zeta potential analyzer is positive. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) exhibits the characteristic LDH platelet morphology with the platelets stacked one above the other.