Photocatalytic Properties of Layered Double Hydroxides

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are two-dimensional lamellar materials composed of mixed divalent and trivalent metal hydroxide layers separated by exchangeable interlayer anions. Their adjustable composition, tunable band gaps and high surface areas render LDHs highly attractive for photocatalytic applications. Key strategies to enhance their performance include defect engineering to introduce oxygen vacancies and metal-site disorders, hybridisation with carbon-based semiconductors or metal oxides to form heterojunctions, and intercalation of organic donors and acceptors to facilitate photo-induced electron transfer. These modifications improve light absorption across the ultraviolet–visible spectrum, suppress electron–hole recombination and promote charge separation and transfer. As a result, LDH-based photocatalysts have shown significant promise in water splitting for hydrogen and oxygen evolution, CO₂ reduction to fuels such as CO and CH₄, and the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. Their low cost, facile synthesis and environmental benignity underscore their global significance in renewable energy and environmental remediation.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A three-dimensional open porous MgCr-LDH nanoparticle system prepared by a one-step formamide-assisted hydrothermal route demonstrated enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. The self-stacked 2D nanosheets form a 3D network with abundant oxygen vacancies, promoting efficient light harvesting, easy electron channelisation and high photostability. Under visible-light irradiation the material achieved hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates exceeding 1 300 μmol h⁻¹ and 580 μmol h⁻¹ respectively, with a photocurrent density of 6.9 mA cm⁻².

A heterostructure comprising exfoliated NiFe-LDH nanosheets, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide and graphitic carbon nitride established an n–n Z-scheme charge transfer pathway. The mediated interaction between layers afforded prolonged exciton lifetimes, reduced impedance and strong donor–acceptor coupling. Under visible light the composite delivered high rates of H₂ and O₂ evolution alongside effective degradation of organic dyes, illustrating its dual capability for solar fuel production and pollutant removal.

An inorganic–organic hybrid formed by co-intercalation of electron-donor and electron-acceptor stilbene derivatives into Zn₂Al-LDH yielded broad UV–visible absorption and fluorescence quenching indicative of photo-induced electron transfer. When employed as a photoanode in a two-electrode photoelectrochemical cell, this material achieved stable photocurrent generation and efficient water splitting under simulated solar illumination, showcasing the potential of intercalation chemistry for band-gap engineering.

Photocatalytic Properties of Layered Double Hydroxides publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photocatalytic properties of layered double hydroxides across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Layered double hydroxide: A brucite-like layered material containing divalent and trivalent metal hydroxide layers with intercalated anions.

Heterojunction: An interface between two semiconductors with aligned band structures to facilitate charge transfer.

Z-scheme: A charge transfer mechanism that spatially separates electrons and holes across two photocatalysts, enhancing redox power.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting: The use of light to drive the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Defect engineering: The deliberate introduction of vacancies or dopants to modify electronic structure and catalytic activity.

References

1. Superlative photoelectrochemical properties of 3D MgCr-LDH nanoparticles influencing towards photoinduced water splitting reactions. Scientific Reports (2022).
2. Deciphering Z-scheme Charge Transfer Dynamics in Heterostructure NiFe-LDH/N-rGO/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Pollutant Removal and Water Splitting Reactions. Scientific Reports (2019).
3. An Inexpensive Co-Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxide Composite with Electron Donor-Acceptor Character for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Scientific Reports (2015).
4. Layered double hydroxide‐based photocatalytic materials toward renewable solar fuels production. InfoMat (2021).
5. 600 nm induced nearly 99% selectivity of CH4 from CO2 photoreduction using defect-rich monolayer structures. Cell Reports Physical Science (2021).
6. The construction of a dual direct Z-scheme NiAl LDH/g-C 3 N 4 /Ag 3 PO 4 nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic oxygen and hydrogen evolution. Nanoscale Advances (2021).