Simplified synthesis of nitrate form of layered double hydroxide

The present study reports a simplified method to synthesize the nitrate forms of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). LDHs or anionic clays with Mg:Al ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1 and mostly containing nitrate anions were prepared at 25 degrees C, 60 degrees C and 100 degrees C without controlled atmospheric conditions. The nitrate form of anionic clay is a potential candidate for the development of slow-release nitrate fertilizer. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.