Transition metal substitution effects in sol-gel derived Mg_3-xM_x/Al₁ (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) layered double hydroxides

In the present study the transition metal substitution effects in Mg_3-xM_x/Al₁ (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were investigated. For the synthesis of the mentioned compounds a newly developed sol-gel synthesis method has been applied. It was demonstrated that different amounts of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn could be introduced to the sol-gel derived LDHs without destroying the layered structure. The synthesis products were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The specific surface area of differently substituted Mg_3-xM_x/Al₁ LDH specimens was also estimated. The synthesized LDHs could be tested for different medical applications and could be used as precursor material for the preparation of nanostructured mixed-metal oxides with a variety of useful properties.