Fig. 6: The critical role of interlayer filling density of ions and structured water on nitrate ion storage in LDHs.
From: Critical role of water structure around interlayer ions for ion storage in layered double hydroxides

The role is further decomposed, combining the obtained QCM-D profiles with the theoretical calculations. In the high interlayer filling density environment of the highly charged LDHs, quasi-2D structured water formed in the early storage regime (I) facilitates strong interlayer interactions, while the 3D structured water in the latter storage regime weakens the interlayer interactions (II). In the low interlayer filling density environment of the weakly charged LDHs, slightly quasi-2D structured water formed in the early storage regime (I) and 2D structured water formed in the latter storage regime (II) facilitate a moderate change in interlayer interactions and progressive nitrate ion intercalation.