Growth mechanism of curved Mg-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide nanostructures in a one-pot assembly procedure under ambient pressure

We show that the amount of peroxide added is a governing factor, leading to the curved or amorphous morphologies of Mg-Al-LDH products in a reflux system under ambient pressure. A concerted growth mechanism is proposed to elucidate the formation of the unconventional nano-features of the products. The participation of peroxide in Mg-Al-LDH assembly causes hydroxyl point defects and carbonate compensation, leading to curved morphologies.