Multiple effects of dodecanesulfonate in the crystal growth control and morphosynthesis of layered double hydroxides

The morphology of Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has been manipulated by hydrothermal treatment following the nucleation by coprecipitation or urea hydrolysis method in sodium dodecanesulfonate (SAS) aqueous solution. It is observed that the dodecanesulfonate (AS) serves as both of the interlayer anion and the template for the formation of LDH sheets. The intercalation of the dodecanesulfonate anion occurring in each case enlarges the basal spacing and weakens the interaction of LDH sheets. Thus the vesicle-like phase formed by the surfactant in aqueous solution in the presence of metal cations induces the curved growth of AS-interecalated LDH nuclei and the special spherical aggregate of LDH particles.