Layered double hydroxides intercalated with anionic surfactants/benzophenone as potential materials for sunscreens.

Layered double hydroxides intercalated with dodecylsulfate or dodecylbenzenesulfonate were synthesized by co-precipitation under alkaline conditions. After characterization by PXRD, FTIR, and TGA/DTA, the ZnxAl/SUR compounds were reacted with neutral benzophenone, using different procedures. The products obtained from benzophenone adsolubilization were investigated by PXRD, FTIR, and DRUV-Vis spectroscopy before and after exposure to UV radiation. In general, the content of adsolubilized benzophenone was small and depended on the synthetic procedure. The best results were achieved under microwave irradiation, which furnished 9.09 wt% adsolubilized benzophenone. The products presented good adsorption in the full UV region, from UVC to UVA, and good stability to UV radiation. They did not cause skin irritation in tests conducted on rabbits, which makes them good candidates for the development of a new generation of sunscreens.