Synthesis and properties of cinnamic acid series organic UV ray absorbents–interleaved layered double hydroxides

Organic ultraviolet (UV) ray absorbents, cinnamic acid (CA) and p-methoxycinnamic acid (PMOCA) were intercalated into Zn2Al layered double hydroxides (Zn2Al-LDHs) by co-precipitation reaction. The organic–inorganic nanocomposites, Zn2Al-LDH/CA and Zn2Al-LDH/PMOCA were obtained. The samples showed excellent UV ray absorption ability and their catalytic activity for the air oxidation of castor oil greatly decreased when the organic UV ray absorbents were intercalated in the layers of the Zn2Al-LDHs. The studies suggested that Zn2Al-LDH/organic UV absorbent nanocomposites might be used as safe sunscreen materials.