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Protein template effect on hydrotalcite morphology

Abstract:

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), hydrotalcite-like compounds, or hydrotalcites are porous materials, which may be used in catalysis, biomedicine, or adsorption as they may work as anion exchangers or drug deliverers. The morphology of hydrotalcites determines their use: in catalysis or in adsorption, reagents and gases have to reach as much surface as possible; in biomedicine, drugs have to be encapsulated and delivered later on. In this work, we synthesize hydrotalcites in presence of protein templates (egg white and yolk) and under two crystallization conditions (conventional and microwave). The obtained materials are hydrotalcites whose morphologies correspond to platelets organized as sand roses. Depending on the template and the preparation procedure, the amount of platelets can be increased. This feature is explained through the template effect of egg components. The resulting materials are promising adsorbers. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.