Layered double hydroxides: A review

Combination of two-dimensional layered materials and intercalation technique offers a new area for developing nanohybrids with desired functionality. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are mineral and synthetic materials with positively charged brucite type layers of mixed metal hydroxides. Exchangeable anions located in interlayer spaces compensate for positive charge of brucite type layer. Since most biomolecules are negatively charged, can be incorporated between LDHs. A number of cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory agents are either carboxylic acids or carboxylic derivatives and could be ion exchanged with LDHs to have controlled release. LDHs have technological importance in catalysis, separation technology, medical science and nanocomposite material engineering.