Catalytic and Ion-exchange Applications of Hydrotalcite-like Materials

Abstract

Hydrotalcite-like (HT-like) materials, otherwise referred in literature as layered double hydroxides (LDHs), find versatile application in different fields as catalysts, catalyst supports,ion-exchangers/adsorbents, composite materials, drug carriers, functional materials and in batteries. With their different and interesting set of properties, they are efficient catalysts for wide range of organic reactions, in particular for base-catalysed reactions. Good knowledge on structure-activity relation for these materials, the number and strength of basic sites of these materials can be tuned precisely to cater a specific reaction. In addition, the interlayers of these materials are good host for anions and this property can be explored for anionic pollutant removal. In this doctoral thesis both the catalytic and ion-exchange ability of HT-like materials were explored for fine chemical synthesis and toxic anion removal.