New layered double hydroxides containing intercalated Au particles: Synthesis and characterization

The Au particles have been intercalated within the gallery spaces of Zn–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Synthesis of this material was obtained by ion-exchange of the LDH-nitrate precursor with AuCl4− anion followed by reduction with the sodium citrate. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), TEM and N2 sorption analyses have been used to characterize the material. TEM micrographs of LDH-Au revealed a typical porous material. Chemical analysis results showed that AuCl4− anions exchanged with nitrate anions. XPS analysis confirmed the deoxidization of the AuCl4− anions in the gallery after treatment with the sodium citrate. The XRD diffraction patterns of LDH-Au revealed that the layer structure is maintained after all synthetic steps. The XPS spectra, the elemental results and the TEM patterns proved the intercalation of Au particles into the gallery.