Nanostructured assemblies of mesoporous matrices of layered double hydroxides - nanoparticles of iron oxides

Nanostructured assemblies of iron partially substituted anionic clays supported with nanoparticles of iron oxides have been obtained during the reconstruction process of the anionic clay layered structure by manipulating its structural "memory effect". The morphology, composition and phase structure of as-prepared powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption (S_BET,V_p), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The samples combine the typical paramagnetic behavior induced by the nanoparticles of Fe₂O₃ and the surface / textural functionality of the porous clay into one single material. A facile and straightforward synthesis route in which the reconstruction process of the clay, the formation of nanoparticles of iron oxides and their loading on the inorganic matrix take place in one single step is presented. The multifunctional capabilities of Fe₂O₃/FeLDH nanoarchitectures can be used to overcome the bio-toxicity of the nanoparticles of iron oxides and thus to diversify their biomedical applications.