Nanolayered composite with enhanced ultraviolet ray absorption properties from simultaneous intercalation of sunscreen molecules

INTRODUCTION: The potential of layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a host of multiple ultraviolet-ray absorbers was investigated by simultaneous intercalation of benzophenone 4 (B4) and Eusolex(®) 232 (EUS) in Zn/Al LDH. METHODS: The nanocomposites were prepared via coprecipitation method at various molar ratios of B4 and EUS. RESULTS: At equal molar ratios, the obtained nanocomposite showed an intercalation selectivity that is preferential to EUS. However, the selectivity ratio of intercalated anions was shown to be capable of being altered by adjusting the molar ratio of intended guests during synthesis. Dual-guest nanocomposite synthesized with B4:EUS molar ratio 3:1 (ZEB [3:1]) showed an intercalation selectivity ratio of B4:EUS =53:47. Properties of ZEB (3:1) were monitored using powder X-ray diffractometer to show a basal spacing of 21.8 Å. Direct-injection mass spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and ultraviolet–visible spectra confirmed the dual intercalation of both anions into the interlayer regions of dual-guest nanocomposite. The cytotoxicity study of dual-guest nanocomposite ZEB (3:1) on human dermal fibroblast cells showed no significant toxicity until 25 μg/mL. CONCLUSION: Overall, the findings demonstrate successful customization of ultraviolet-ray absorbers composition in LDH host.