Synthesis of layered double hydroxides in an emulsion solution

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) with carbonate as interlayer anion and a Mg2+ /Al3+ ratio of 2 (also denoted Mg-Al-CO3-LDHs in this paper) was synthesized using constant- or variable-pH method in a water-in-oil emulsion solution composed of octane, water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). A fioccule or fiber-like LDH material that possesses similar chemical composition and properties to that synthesized in a conventional variable-pH method was obtained. The resulting LDH shows high surface area and narrow distribution of mesoporous size. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.