Emulation of evolutionary selection as the growth mechanism of supported layered double hydroxide frameworks

The evolutionary selection is proposed as the actual growth mechanism of supported layered double hydroxide (LDH) frameworks constituted by interconnected sheet-like structures with apparent preferential orientation. This growth mechanism was emulated through an algorithm that accounts for different synthesis conditions. The generated structures were compared with supported ZnAl-LDH frameworks synthesized by hydrothermal route using different precursor concentrations and reaction temperatures. The simulated structures were found to mimic the topology of the synthesized LDH frameworks. Moreover, the proposed model anticipates the effect of the synthesis parameters in the resulting morphological features. Finally, the distinctive characteristics of those structures generated by the evolutionary selection mechanism are proposed. [Display omitted] •Morphology control of supported ZnAl-LDH frameworks through hydrothermal method.•LDH frameworks are generated by the evolutionary selection growth mechanism.•A computer algorithm emulates the evolutionary selection growth mechanism.•The model anticipates the effect of reaction temperature and precursor concentration.