Recent Study on Novel Layered Zn-Y Hydroxide and their UV Properties by Intercalation of Organic Aliphatic and Aromatic UV-Absorbent Molecules

Abstract

The layered Zn-Y hydroxides with succinate, adipate, sebacate, and benzoate as interlayer anions were synthesised with the aim of combining organic molecules with inorganic structures to create hybrid materials that combine the benefits of both components in one material. Analytical techniques such as PXRD, FTIR, and TGA were used to classify the structures. UV-visible and PL spectroscopic techniques were used to test the optical properties of these samples. Although the monolayer structure inside the interlayer for succinate, adipate and sebacate could be deduced from their PXRD patterns and FTIR spectra, tilted bilayers of benzoate were discovered in the interlayer between Zn-Y hydroxides. The interlayer separation of the intercalated samples varied linearly with the number of -CH₂ groups, n, in the aliphatic chain of dicarboxylates. As compared to the acetate intercalated method, intercalated samples showed better thermal stability. Surface defects of the Zn-Y hydroxide system were observed as luminescence emission in the visible region of the spectrum, in addition to the _TT-TT* transitions from carboxylates. Using UV-visible and PL spectroscopic techniques, the presence of organic anions in the inorganic interlayer has also been demonstrated.