Novel route for layered double hydroxides preparation by enzymatic decomposition of urea

This study presents a new route for the preparation of a series of layered double hydroxide materials with controlled textural properties. It concerns the biogenesis of hydrotalcite like phases by Jack bean urease through the enzymatic decomposition process of urea. Different conditions of LDH biogenesis are investigated (urease activity, urea concentration). A comparative study with the precipitation method based on the thermal decomposition of urea (90 °C) is conducted in order to asses the effect of the various urea hydrolysis conditions (kinetic, temperature) and the presence of enzyme in the reaction medium on the structural and textural properties of the as prepared LDH materials. Mechanisms of formation of the LDH phases for both synthesis processes are discussed on basis of their pH control. The PXRD and SEM analysis of samples prepared by the thermal process evidence higher crystallinity and greater particle sizes than LDH obtained in mild biogenic conditions. In the latter case, presence of urease or effect of some M(II) metals may inhibit the crystallization.