Hollow @CuMgAl double layered hydrotalcites and mixed oxides with tunable textural and structural properties, and thus enhanced NH(3)-NO(x)-SCR activity

Well-organized, spherical, mesoporous hollow @CuMgAl-LDHs (layered double hydroxides) are prepared by the controlled removal of the SiO(2) from SiO(2)@CuMgAl-LDH core–shell hybrids that in turn are synthesized via a bottom-up strategy. The materials are prepared with various Cu/Mg molar ratios (Cu/Mg = 0.05–0.50) while keeping the ratio of Cu and Mg constant, (Cu + Mg)/Al = 2. The effect of Cu doping and the silica core removal process (conducted for 4 h at 30 °C using 1 M NaOH) on the chemical composition, morphology, structure, texture and reducibility of the resulting materials are described. @CuMgAl-MOs (mixed oxides) obtained by thermal treatment of the @CuMgAl-LDHs are active and selective catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO(x) using ammonia, and effectively operate at low temperatures. The N(2) yield increases with increased Cu content in the CuMgAl shell, which is associated with the easier reducibility of the Cu species incorporated into the MgAl matrix. @CuMgAl-MOs show better catalytic performance than bulk CuMgAl MOs.