Synthesis of layered double hydroxides in an emulsion solution

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) with carbonate as interlayer anion and a Mg2+/Al3+ ratio of 2 (also denoted Mg–Al–CO3–LDHs in this paper) was synthesized using constant- or variable-pH method in a water-in-oil emulsion solution composed of octane, water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). A floccule or fiber-like LDH material that possesses similar chemical composition and properties to that synthesized in a conventional variable-pH method was obtained. The resulting LDH shows high surface area and narrow distribution of mesoporous size.