Applications of Layered Double Hydroxides

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), also known as anionic clays or hydrotalcite (HT)-like materials, are a family of materials that have attracted increasing attention in recent years. LDHs have anionic exchange capacity, and the ability to capture organic and inorganic anions makes them almost unique as inorganic materials. This paper deals with current and potential applications of these materials, including in catalysis, ion-exchange/adsorption, pharmaceutics, photochemistry and electrochemistry; these are related to the wide range of possible compositions and versatile preparation methods for both uncalcined and calcined LDHs, as well as pillared LDHs.