Synthesis and characterization of Cd–Cr and Zn–Cd–Cr layered double hydroxides intercalated with dodecyl sulfate

Cd–Cr and Zn–Cd–Cr layered double hydroxides (CdCr-LDH and ZnCdCr-LDH) containing alkyl sulfate as the interlamellar anion have been prepared through a coprecipitation technique. The resulting compounds were characterized using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic property measurements indicate that antiferromagnetic interactions occur between the chromium ions in the two compounds at low temperatures. The introduction of zinc influences the ligand field of CrIII and the CrIII–CrIII interactions in the LDH compound. It is found that both CdCr-LDH and ZnCdCr-LDH can be delaminated by dispersion in formamide, leading to translucent and stable colloidal solutions.

Graphical abstractBrief Summary: Cd–Cr and Zn–Cd–Cr-layered double hydroxides containing alkyl sulfate as the interlamellar anion have been prepared through a coprecipitation technique and antiferromagnetic interactions have been observed in the two LDHs at low temperatures.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide