Time-Resolved Powder X-ray Diffraction of the Solvothermal Crystallization of Cobalt Gallate Spinel Photocatalyst Reveals Transient Layered Double Hydroxides

High energy X-ray diffraction is used to follow in situ the crystallization of a cobalt gallate from metallic gallium under solvothermal conditions in an aminoalcohol, revealing the formation and decay of transient metastable layered double hydroxides. Photocatalytic studies show the spinel product has activity as a water oxidation catalyst for oxygen evolution.