Preparation of MgGa Layered Double Hydroxides and Possible Compositional Variation

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), shown as the general formula of [M(2+)(1−x)M(3+)(x)(OH)(2)](x+)(A(n−))(x/n)∙yH(2)O, are useful for various applications such as anion exchangers/adsorbents, catalysts and catalysts’ supports, and drug/gene carriers due to their structural, compositional and morphological characteristics and their variation. The x value (M(3+)/(M(2+) + M(3+)) ratio) in layered double hydroxides (LDHs), corresponding to the layer charge density, is one of the important parameters for controlling the properties of LDHs. The x values in commonly available LDHs are limited (0.2 < x < 0.3). In order to obtain LDHs with x < 0.2, Mg(2+) Ga(3+)–LDHs with interlayer iodide were examined. The linear correlation between lattice parameter a and x value in the products with x of 0.06–0.24 was seen, suggesting the successful substitution of Mg(2+) in the brucite-like sheet with Ga(3+). Carbonate and dodecyl sulfate types MgGa–LDH were prepared by ion exchange with carbonate anion and reconstruction in aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The products with x of 0.06 were dispersed in water and hexanol better than those with x of 0.24 for MgGa–LDHs containing carbonate and dodecyl sulfate, respectively, suggesting effects of the lower layer charge density on the dispersion.