Near 100% selectivity in anion exchange reactions of layered zinc hydroxy nitrate

► Selective uptake of halide ions by zinc hydroxy nitrate observed. ► Selectivity order is F− > Cl− > Br−, I−. ► Selectivity for fluoride ions was 70% from a mixture of fluoride and chloride. ► Selectivity for chloride ions was 100% from a mixture of chloride and bromide. ► Selectivity observed here is different from what has been observed in LDHs.