Stabilization of Co2+ in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by microwave-assisted ageing

Co-containing layered double hydroxides at different pH have been prepared, and aged following different routes. The solids prepared have been characterized by element chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (both in nitrogen and in oxygen), FT-IR and Vis–UV spectroscopies, temperature-programmed reduction and surface area assessment by nitrogen adsorption at −196 °C. The best conditions found to preserve the cobalt species in the divalent oxidation state are preparing the samples at controlled pH, and then submit them to ageing under microwave irradiation.