An anionic photo-sensitizer intercalated in a layered double hydroxide: Preparation, characterization and photo-oxidation efficiency

Both intercalated and adsorbed LDHs proved to be efficient and selective sensitizers for the photo-oxidation of di-n-butylsulfide in oxygenated acetonitrile solution. The intercalated photo-sensitizer was efficiently recycled for three successive runs. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the material after irradiation, the major drawback of these supported sensitizers is the partial replacement of the benzoate anion within the LDH by sulfate and sulfonate anions arising from sulfide oxidation.