Influence of divalent metal on the decomposition products of hydrotalcite-like ternary systems MII-Al-Cr (MIIÂ =Â Zn, Cd)

► LDHs MII-Al-Cr (M = Zn, Cd) with Cr in the layer or interlayer have been prepared. ► LDHs Zn-Al or Zn-Cr decompose by heating forming ZnO and ZnAl2O4 or ZnO and ZnCr2O4. ► LDHs Zn-Al-Cr give rise to the formation of ZnO and the mixed spinel ZnAl2−xCrxO4. ► LDH Cd-Al-Cr shows the formation of CdO, CdCr2−xAlxO4, and (Al, Cr)2O3 mixed oxide. ► Calcination of the CdAl-CrO4 give rise to (Al, Cr)2O3 as the majority phase.