Synthesis of Li/Al LDH using aluminum and LiOH

The synthesis of Li/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) within the ternary system of LiOH–Al–H2O was investigated to determine the feasibility of a one-step synthetic process and the optimal yield composition for the process. The dissolution of Al metal in LiOH solutions was spontaneous and resulted in the generation of H2 gas and heat. Pure Li/Al LDH precipitate was obtained when the Al/Li molar ratio was between 0.1 and 2 and was independent of the LiOH concentration. The yield of Li/Al LDH was correlated with the initial amounts of LiOH and Al in the system and inversely correlated to the quantity of water. However, the Al metal could not be completely dissolved if there was not enough water content due to its consumption in the reaction. The optimal yield of Li/Al LDH, as defined by the efficient conversion from Al and LiOH to Li/Al LDH, was obtained with a LiOH concentration = 3 mol kg− 1 and an Al/Li molar ratio = 2. The reaction mechanism involves the dissolution of the Al metal in LiOH and the formation of aluminate ions in solution. The aluminate ion and the hydrated Li+ ion subsequently form an ion pair, and the polarizing effect of the Li+ on the water in its hydration shell leads to the acid hydrolysis of the aluminate ion and the formation of Li/Al LDH. This study demonstrated a synthetic process for Li/Al LDH with a high anion exchange capacity. This synthetic process will have additional economical and environmental benefits if recycled Al metal can be used in the synthesis and the evolved hydrogen gas and heat from the process can be further utilized.