Polymerization of silicates in layered double hydroxides

Layered double hydroxides containing silicate anions have been prepared using either a coprecipitation method or an anionic exchange reaction. The polymerization of the intercalated anions under moderate thermal treatment has been studied by PXRD, FTIR, and solid-state NMR. Grafting processes and layer condensation have been obtained leading to the preparation of new nanocomposite materials with improved physicochemical properties.