Morphologically controlled synthesis, characterization and application of zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide nano needles

[Display omitted] •Zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide (Zn-Al LDH) nanoparticles are prepared.•The lattice is studied in different orientations to understand the arrangements of atoms.•Results are analyzed through XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. Zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide (Zn-Al LDHs) nanoparticles are prepared by a solvothermal method. To study and investigate the morphology and properties of prepared Zn-Al LDH nanoparticles, nanoparticles are subjected to different instrumental techniques. It is clear from X-ray diffraction pattern, the product is composed of cubic unit cell, highly pure and crystalline. Data obtained from XRD analysis is further subjected to different softwares to understand the crystal structure and atomic coordinates. The lattice is studied in different orientations to understand the possible arrangements of atoms within unit cell. By scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), it is observed that the synthesized Zn-Al LDH product is dispersed needle like, regular in shape with compact structure, sharp needle like boundary with a size of approximately 50–150 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles are used as additive for combustion characteristics (flash and fire points) and physical characteristics (cloud and pour points, kinematics viscosity and specific gravity) of crude kerosene oil.