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Mesostructuring layered materials: self-supported mesoporous layered double hydroxide nanotubes
Alysson F Morais1, Dimy Nanclares, Ivan G N Silva
1Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. dmustafa@if.usp.br.
Nanoscale
|June 23, 2021
Summary
Researchers synthesized self-supported layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanotubes using a soft-templating method with Eu3+ ions. This novel approach yields materials with high surface area, crucial for advanced functional applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Hierarchical porous materials are challenging to synthesize but offer high specific surface area.
- Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are versatile materials with potential functional applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for synthesizing self-supported, hierarchical porous layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanotubes.
- To investigate the role of Eu3+ incorporation in the formation of nanotubular morphology and enhanced surface area.
Main Methods:
- Soft-templating strategy using Pluronic® P-123 worm-like micelles.
- Incorporation of 8-fold coordinated Eu3+ into Zn2+/Al3+ LDH structure.
- Intercalation with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (BTC) anions.
- Micellar template removal via liquid extraction with methanol.
Main Results:
- Successful self-assembly of self-supported LDH nanotubes through Eu3+-assisted precipitation onto micellar templates.
- Removal of the template yielded interconnected, multi-walled, hollow cylindrical nanotubes.
- Eu3+ removal disabled nanotube formation but resulted in mesoporous LDHs with a 5-fold increase in specific surface area compared to standard LDHs.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a viable method for creating hierarchical porous LDH nanotubes.
- Eu3+ plays a critical role in directing the self-assembly into nanotubular structures.
- The developed materials exhibit significantly enhanced specific surface area, promising for various functional applications.
