Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
A range of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with Ni/Al and Mg/Al as the M(II)/M(III) cations and containing carbonate as the charge balancing anion have been synthesised. A variation in the M(II)/M(III) ratio between 2 and 6 has been attempted with the influence of the M(II)/M(III) ratio upon the subsequent exchange of carbonate by [V10O28]6- (at pH 4.5) examined. Complete exchange is obtained for all ratios, although the crystallinity of the products varies. For M(II)/M(III) ratios > 4, the product crystallinity is poor. In addition, a second phase is detected for all ratios. In the case of Ni/Al, the amount of vanadium incorporated is found to depend upon the Al content whereas for Mg/Al the amount incorporated is constant. Overall, the replacement of carbonate by decavanadate does not appear to have any significant effect on the textural characteristics (e.g. surface area or porosity) of the pillared products.