Recent advances in the preparation of layered double hydroxides.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) can be incorporated in a variety of composites with different structures and properties. The choice of synthesis method is a very important factor in achieving LDHs with the desired structure and properties. A method involving separate nucleation and aging steps (SNAS), layer-by-layer self-assembly methods, in situ surface synthesis methods and a clean method have been developed in recent years. LDHs with different structure and properties have been synthesized using these different methods. Applications of these LDHs include as environmentally-friendly functional additives in cement and asphalt, as new catalytic materials, as novel optical materials, in biosensors and as superhydrophobic materials. This paper summarizes recent patents describing methods for synthesizing LDHs with tailored structures and properties.