Delamination-restacking behaviour of surfactant intercalated layered hydroxy double salts, M3Zn2(OH)8(surf)2⋠2H2O [M = Ni, Co and surf = dodecyl sulphate (DS), dodecyl benzene sulphonate (DBS)]

Surfactant anion intercalated nickel-zinc and cobalt-zinc layered hydroxy double salts were prepared through a modified acetate hydrolysis route. These organo-inorganic hybrids delaminate readily in alcohols such as 1-butanol to give stable translucent colloids. The extent of delamination and the stability of the colloids obtained are comparable to what has been observed in the case of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The original layered solid could be obtained either by evaporation of the colloid or precipitation by the addition of a polar solvent such as acetone.