Characterization and Structure–Property Relationships of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Composites Based on Aluminum–Magnesium Hydroxycarbonate and Azo Chromophore

In this study, novel organic–inorganic composites were prepared by the complexation of dicarboxylic azo dye (AD) with aluminum–magnesium hydroxycarbonate (AlMg–LH). This procedure provides an effective method for the stabilization of dicarboxylic organic chromophores on an AlMg−LH host. The structures of the hybrid composites were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), 27-Al solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The TOF-SIMS method was applied to investigate the metal–dye interactions and to monitor the thermal stability of the organic–inorganic complexes. Secondary ion mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of a characteristic peak for C(18)H(10)O(5)N(2)Mg(2)(2+), indicating that both carboxylic groups interacted with AlMg−LH by forming complexes with two Mg(2+) ions. Modification with hybrid pigments affected the crystal structure of the AlMg−LH mineral, as shown by the appearance of new peaks on the X-ray diffraction patterns. Adsorption of the dicarboxylic chromophore not only led to significantly enhanced solvent resistance but also improved the thermal and photostability of the hybrid pigments. We propose a possible arrangement of the azo dye in the inorganic matrix, as well as the presumed mechanism of stabilization.