Biotemplated hierarchical nanostructure of layered double hydroxides with improved photocatalysis performance.

We report a biomorphic hierarchical mixed metal oxide (MMO) framework through a biotemplated synthesis method. A uniform Al(2)O(3) coating was deposited on the surface of the biotemplate with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, and the film of ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH), which faithfully inherits the surface structure of the biotemplate, was prepared by an in situ growth technique. Subsequently, a polycrystal ZnAl-MMO framework obtained by calcination of the LDH precursor has been demonstrated as an effective and recyclable photocatalyst for the decomposition of dyes in water, owing to its rather high specific surface area and hierarchical distribution of pore size. Therefore, the new strategy reported in this work can be used to fabricate a variety of biomorphic LDHs as well as MMO frameworks through replication of complicated and hierarchical biological structures for the purpose of catalysis, adsorbents, and other potential applications.