Layered Double Hydroxides in Cement-Based Materials
Summary
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are lamellar materials composed of positively charged metal hydroxide layers separated by galleries of exchangeable anions and water molecules. Their tunable composition, high anion-exchange capacity and memory effect make them versatile additives in cementitious systems. In Portland cement and low-carbon binders, LDHs can refine pore structure, control rheology, modulate hydration kinetics and immobilise deleterious species such as chlorides or sulphates. Thermal conversion of LDHs to mixed oxides restores the layered architecture upon rehydration, enabling precise adjustment of workability, strength development and durability. Furthermore, in alkali-activated materials LDHs form in situ to enhance chloride binding and mitigate alkali-silica reaction. By improving reinforcement protection and reducing permeability, LDHs contribute to longer service lives of concrete infrastructures and support sustainable construction practices worldwide.
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Layered Double Hydroxides in Cement-Based Materials publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in layered double hydroxides in cement-based materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs): Anionic clays comprising brucite-like layers of divalent and trivalent metal hydroxides with interlayer exchangeable anions.
Anion Exchange Capacity: The ability of LDHs to capture and replace interlayer anions (e.g., Cl–, SO₄²–) within their gallery spaces.
Mixed Oxides (MO): Porous materials obtained by calcining LDHs; they regenerate layered structures upon rehydration, influencing cement hydration and microstructure.
Alkali-Activated Materials (AAMs): Low-carbon binders formed by activating industrial by-products (such as slag) with alkaline solutions, where in-situ LDH formation can enhance durability.
References
- Relevance of Specific Surface of Mixed Oxide Derived from Layered Double Hydroxides on the Rheological Properties and Porosity of Cement Pastes. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024).
- In-situ formation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in sodium aluminate activated slag: The role of Al-O tetrahedra. Cement and Concrete Research (2022).
- Experimental Study and Numerical Analysis of Chloride Ion Diffusion in Hydrotalcite Concrete in Chloride Salt Environment. Materials (2023).
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