Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 February 2011
Influence of the precipitation conditions on the structure of Mg – Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) was investigated. XRD measurements demonstrate that species with hydrotalcite structure forms at high pH of reaction mixture (pH = 9 - 11), while at lower pH values (pH = 7 - 8) species with meixnerite structure arise. At the same time 27Al NMR studies of samples obtained at pH > 10 reveal the presence of tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum. XRD, NMR and IR data suggest that partial substitution of CO32- for Al(OH)4- in the interlayer space with subsequent formation of oxoaluminate bridges takes place at high pH. The optimal conditions for the preparation of intercalation-active materials were proposed.